Influence of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril length on film properties

► TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNs) with different fibril lengths were prepared by controlling disintegration conditions in water. ► Degrees of polymerization of the TOCNs corresponded well to the TOCN fibril lengths. ► Self-standing TOCN films and TOCN-coated PLA or PET films were prepared from the TOCNs. ► Films prepared from longer TOCN fibril lengths had higher tensile strength and oxygen barrier properties.