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High-Throughput Tailoring of Nanocellulose Films: From Complex Bio-Based Materials to Defined Multifunctional
Alexey Khakalo1, Tapio Mäkelä2, Leena-Sisko Johansson3
1VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Tietotie 4E, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|November 23, 2020
Summary
This study presents a scalable method for creating advanced nanocellulose films. The roll-to-roll process enables tunable optical and surface properties for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Developing multifunctional bio-based materials is crucial for sustainable technologies.
- Efficient, scalable fabrication methods for nanocellulose films are lacking.
- Controlling optical and surface properties of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) films remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a high-throughput, roll-to-roll (R2R) fabrication approach for multifunctional nanocellulose films.
- To introduce tunable optical properties (transmittance, haze) and surface characteristics (hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity).
- To address the need for economically and ecologically viable processing strategies for advanced bio-based materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cast-coating, atmospheric plasma-assisted gas-phase modification, and nanoimprint lithography (NIL).
- Integrated these unit operations in a continuous roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing setup.
- Employed surface modification techniques to alter the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and structural properties.
Main Results:
- Achieved multifunctional cellulose nanofibril (CNF) films with high optical transmittance (~90%) and adjustable haze (2-35%).
- Successfully tuned the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, demonstrated by surface energy changes (50-21 mJ/m²) and water contact angles (20°-120°).
- Maintained the intrinsic hygroscopicity of the CNF films without significant compromise.
Conclusions:
- The developed R2R process offers an economically and ecologically viable strategy for producing multifunctional CNF films.
- This facile and upscalable approach expands the property space of CNF films, enabling diverse high-performance applications.
- The study overcomes challenges in producing tailored bio-based materials through efficient and industrially relevant processing.
