Flexible cellulose nanofibers/MXene composite films for UV-shielding packaging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are promising for packaging but lack UV-shielding.
• Enhancing CNF films with functional materials is crucial for broader applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop UV-shielding composite films by incorporating MXene into CNF.
• To investigate the properties of MXene/CNF composite films (CMF) for packaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Direct solvent volatilization method for film formation (no vacuum filtration).
• Incorporation of MXene into CNF matrix with glycerin for flexibility.
• Characterization of structural, mechanical, UV-shielding, and barrier properties.

Main Results:

• Uniform MXene distribution and strong hydrogen bonding in CMF.
• Significant improvements in tensile strength (54.1%) and Young's modulus (59.2%).
• Achieved 100% UVA and UVB shielding, low oxygen and water vapor permeability, and 94.1% antibacterial rate against E. coli.

Conclusions:

• MXene/CNF composite films exhibit excellent UV-shielding, mechanical, barrier, and antibacterial properties.
• The developed films show great potential for advanced food packaging applications.
• The direct solvent volatilization method offers an efficient route for CMF production.