Colloidal stability of negatively charged cellulose nanocrystalline in aqueous systems

► The zeta potential greatly influenced the colloidal stability of CNC. ► Ca2+ showed more prominent influence on the colloidal stability of CNC than Na+. ► Anionic organic electrolytes with low Mw favored the colloidal stability of CNC. ► Cation polyelectrolyte easily caused CNC aggregation.