Nanocellulose-Based Hybrid Materials for UV Blocking and Mechanically Robust Barriers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Nanocellulose (NC) is a sustainable material with potential for advanced coatings.
• Developing multifunctional coatings requires integrating nanoparticles for specific properties like UV screening and hardness.
• Existing coatings may lack durability, UV resistance, or transparency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create novel nanocellulose-based hybrid coatings and films.
• To impart UV screening and enhanced hardness using cerium oxide (CeO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the optical, mechanical, and structural properties of these hybrid materials.

Main Methods:

• Solvent casting was used to prepare hybrid coatings and films.
• Nanocellulose components included cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs).
• Dispersion stability and surface charge of nanoparticles (NPs) were analyzed using zeta potential measurements.

Main Results:

• Hybrid films exhibited effective UV blocking, dependent on thickness and CeO2 content, while maintaining high transparency (∼80%).
• Silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles compensated for reduced hardness caused by cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs).
• Inclusion of oxide NPs reduced surface roughness by filling spaces within the nanocellulose matrix.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanocellulose-based hybrid coatings offer a promising combination of UV protection, hardness, and transparency.
• These materials are suitable for applications requiring durable, smooth, and UV-resistant surfaces.
• Potential applications include barrier films, photovoltaics, sunscreens, and protective coatings for wood and glass.