Abstract

Lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) are nano-objects produced in aqueous suspension by industrially adaptable methods, with a high yield, low production cost and the potential to replace or complement delignified cellulose nanofibrils in their current applications. To this end, it is necessary to understand how their constituents affect the production and characteristics of the final product. This review explores the most recent results on the effect of the residual amount of lignin and hemicelluloses on the properties of LCNF suspensions. In the current literature, there is a consensus on hemicelluloses, a larger amount of which favors the mechanical fibrillation process, with mannans providing the greatest benefits. Meanwhile, there is no consensus on the effect of residual lignin on mechanical fibrillation, since it can act as an antioxidant, which promotes fibrillation, or as a cementing agent, which hinders fibrillation and, therefore, the production of LCNFs.