Water insoluble and flexible transparent film based on carboxymethyl cellulose

Preparation of renewable, insoluble, and transparent films is still a major challenge for the application of soft electronics and packing industry. Herein, a "green" protocol for preparation of such a film based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is presented, where acid assistant freeze-thaw method was used in combination with drying. We have shown that the resultant films displayed flexibility, high light transmittance (above 90 %), insolubility, high mechanical performances (elastic modulus of 29.6 MPa), and good thermal stability. Moreover, CMC film/filter paper was fabricated, and the waterproof and mechanical properties of which were investigated. This approach offers a promising route to the fabrication of flexible and transparent films with good waterproof properties based on soluble biomass.