Articles of Manufacture Comprising Nanocellulose Elements

A method of producing a composite matrix, comprising:

• providing an existing matrix composition;
• and
• incorporating a population of additive NC elements into the existing matrix;
• wherein the composite matrix exhibits a barrier property.

A method of producing a redispersible, dried NC-containing material that has a barrier property, the method comprising:

• drying a liquid formulation to form the redispersible, dried NC-containing material,
• wherein the liquid formulation comprises a suspension of nanocellulose (NC) elements in a liquid medium, and a drying/dispersal additive, wherein the drying/dispersal additive is selected from the group consisting of temperature-responsive polymers, small molecule additives in volatile systems, and blocking agents;
• wherein the redispersibility of the dried NC-containing material is greater than that of a dried control material prepared by drying a control suspension of nanocellulose elements in a liquid medium, wherein the control suspension lacks a drying/dispersal additive;
• wherein the NC-containing material comprises a barrier-producing material, wherein the barrier-producing material has a barrier property selected from the group consisting of an oil and grease resistant (OGR) property, a water resistant (WVR) property, or a combination of both.