Abstract
Cellulose nanofibril (CNF) and epoxy nanocomposites with high visible light transmittance and low watersensitivity were manufactured by laminating thin layers of epoxy resin onto CNF films prepared through,pressurized filtration in combination with oven drying. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studiessuggest that the resin component bonded to the CNF substrate well. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)observation reveals that the resin lamination led to smoother film surface, which helped enhance UV–vistransmittance. The addition of epoxy resin had little effect on the static and dynamic mechanical strength.However, crystalline and interconnected CNFs significantly reduced the loss factor and shifted the glasstransition of composite to a high temperature. Compared to pure CNF films, the CNF/epoxy compositesshowed a 20% improved transparence in the visible light range. The CNF/epoxy composites demonstrateda sufficient water resistance. This composite film could be considered as a potential substrate materialin the application of flexible electronics substrates.
Keywords
Cellulose nanofibrils,
nanocomposite,
static and dynamic mechanical properties,
visible light transmittance,
wetting and water contact angle
Citation
Qing, Yan; Cai, Zhiyong; Wu, Yiqiang; Yao, Chunhua; Wu, Qinglin; Li, Xianjun. 2015. Facile preparation of optically transparent and hydrophobic cellulose nanofibril composite films. Industrial Crops and Products. 77: 13-20.
