Nanocellulose ( NC ) is a type of high-performance bio-based material with stable, sustainable and renewable sources. With its ultra-high specific surface area, abundant hydroxyl functional groups, strong toughness, and good stability, nanocellulose exhibits excellent suspending agent effects in the fields of chemical industry, daily chemicals, food, and agricultural preparations . This article combines the latest industry trends to deeply analyze the key value of nanocellulose as a suspending agent from the aspects of technical principles, performance advantages, application scenarios, formula compatibility and industrialization prospects.

Keywords: nanocellulose, suspending agent, bio-based materials, stabilizing system, daily chemical formula, food-grade suspension

1. Nanocellulose has a natural 'three-dimensional network structure' and is the physical basis of excellent suspending agents.

Nanocellulose contains a large number of fibrous filaments ( diameter 5–20 nm, length up to several micrometers ), which can form a three-dimensional network structure through hydrogen bonding in an aqueous system.
This structure brings several key physical properties:

High viscosity and -low additive amount : only 0.1%–0.5% additive amount can form an obvious support structure.

It exhibits gel properties when static → can ' lift ' particles and reduce settlement.

Shear thinning (low viscosity) properties → good fluidity when stirring, extruding, and applying without affecting user experience.

This ' static support + dynamic flow ' characteristic is difficult for traditional suspending agents (such as xanthan gum, 、CMC MC ) to take into account at the same time.

2. The suspension mechanism of nanocellulose: not only the viscosity, but also the adsorption and spatial barrier on the particle surface

The suspension effect of nanocellulose can be explained by three mechanisms:

1. Structural viscoelastic support

The three-dimensional network formed can significantly increase the yield stress of the system , thereby physically inhibiting particle settlement.

2. Electrostatic and hydrogen bond adsorption

Nanocellulose has a large number of hydroxyl groups on the surface, which can be adsorbed on the surface of solid particles through hydrogen bonds / van der Waals forces, improving the wetting and dispersion stability of the particles in the system.

3. Steric hindrance effect

The fibrous structure forms a ' shell ' around the particles to prevent them from agglomerating.

3. The industrial advantages of nanocellulose as a suspending agent (compared to traditional thickening suspension systems)

Comparative item	Nanocellulose	Traditional suspending agent (xanthan gum /CMC/calcium carbonate, etc.)
Adding amount	0.1–0.5%, lower	0.5–1.5%
shear thinning	✔Excellent	Some systems are poor
High temperature stability	No degradation at 60–90℃	Most high temperature thinning or failure
transparency	High transparency (depending on type)	Transparency is average
System touch	Refreshing, not silky	Easy to become stringy or sticky
biodegradable	Completely degradable	Most do not have
Renewability	100% green source	Mostly chemical modification products

4. Application scenarios: Nanocellulose suspension system has covered many industries

1. Daily chemical industry (shower gel/shampoo/facial cleanser)

Prevent flavor microcapsules from settling

Keep frosted particles evenly distributed

Improves stable fluidity during application

2. Agricultural preparations (Pesticide Suspension Concentrate SC)

Improve particle suspension and reduce spray clogging

Significantly improve the storage stability of preparations

Replaces inorganic thickeners and reduces sedimentation

3. Food and beverages

Suspended fruit particles or nutritional solid particles

Refreshing taste without adding ' glueiness '

Meet biodegradable and food grade requirements (according to raw material type)

4. Medicine and biological materials

suspended active ingredient

Provides a mild, biocompatible stabilizing system

5. Formula compatibility and key points for factory use (applicable to pharmaceutical intermediates /daily chemical factories/pesticide preparation factories)

Wide pH range ( 3-11 ), suitable for most systems

Highly compatible with surfactants (such as AES 、CAB 、APG )

Can coexist with salt systems (more salt-resistant than xanthan gum)

It is recommended to use a high-speed disperser or ultrasonic to complete pre-dispersion during production.

No high temperature required, can be operated at room temperature, reducing energy consumption

6. Industrialization prospects: Global brands have adopted nanocellulose suspension technology on a large scale

According to industry public data,

Global nanocellulose production capacity has exceeded 30000 tons / year；

More than 35% of these applications involve suspending agents and structural reinforcing agents;

The compound growth rate from 2025 to 2030 is expected to reach 15%–20%。

Under the trend of ' green, low-carbon, renewable materials replacing traditional chemical materials ' , the market demand for nanocellulose as a suspending agent will continue to expand.

Conclusion

Nanocellulose is becoming the most promising new suspending agent in the chemical, daily chemical, food, agricultural preparation and other industries due to its natural origin, high stability, low addition amount, good touch and green environmental protection . For companies that pursue product quality upgrades, reduce chemical additions, and embrace green manufacturing, nanocellulose suspension systems will be an important technical direction that cannot be ignored in the future.