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Cellulose/Grape-Seed-Extract Composite Films with High Transparency and Ultraviolet Shielding Performance Fabricated
Xiaoqian Ji1, Zhen Xu1, Xinqun Xia1
1Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Science & Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Faculty of Light Industry, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China.
Researchers developed transparent, biodegradable cellulose/grape-seed-extract films from recycled cotton. These eco-friendly films offer excellent UV protection and enhanced thermal stability, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics for packaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Petroleum-based plastics pose significant environmental challenges due to their persistence and accumulation.
- There is an urgent need for renewable and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics.
- Old cotton textiles represent a potential source for sustainable material development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate renewable and biodegradable cellulose/grape-seed-extract (GSEs) composite films.
- To evaluate the transparency, anti-ultraviolet performance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the developed films.
- To explore the potential of these films as sustainable packaging materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing pretreated old cotton textiles (P-OCTs) as a source for cellulose.
- Incorporating grape seed extracts (GSEs) into the cellulose matrix.
- Employing a green, cost-effective fabrication approach.
- Characterizing film properties including UV-blocking, transparency, thermal stability, and mechanical strength.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated transparent, all-biomass cellulose/GSEs composite films.
- Achieved nearly 100% UV-A and UV-B blocking without compromising transparency.
- Demonstrated higher thermal stability and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) compared to common plastics.
- Showcased adjustable mechanical properties through plasticizer addition.
Conclusions:
- The developed cellulose/GSEs composite films offer excellent UV-blocking capabilities and good transparency.
- These films exhibit superior thermal stability and WVTR compared to many conventional plastics.
- The material's mechanical properties can be tailored for specific applications.
- This research presents a promising, sustainable, and biodegradable material for the packaging industry.
