Coating Formulations Based on Carbon Black: An Alternative to Develop Environmentally Friendly Conductive Cellulose...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Growing industrial demands necessitate environmentally benign materials, particularly in energy storage, printed electronics, and wearable technology.
• Renewable biopolymers like cellulose and carbon-based nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon black) are key to sustainable innovation.
• Conventional processes often involve toxic materials, posing environmental risks and long-term consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer conductive cellulose paper utilizing sustainable and recyclable components.
• To evaluate carbon black coating formulations with different binders for electrical and mechanical properties.
• To introduce a novel mechanical/optical method for assessing coating durability.

Main Methods:

• Development of coating formulations using carbon black with three binders: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), latex, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).
• Systematic study of formulation, composition, and preparation methods.
• Evaluation of electrical resistance and coating integrity, including a new mechanical/optical durability test.

Main Results:

• The formulation utilizing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a binder and dispersant demonstrated superior performance.
• This optimal formulation achieved low electrical resistance (0.29 kΩ) and excellent coating integrity.
• The developed material proved to be non-toxic and compatible with paper recycling processes.

Conclusions:

• Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is an effective binder and dispersant for creating high-performance conductive cellulose paper.
• The developed conductive paper offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for applications in printed electronics and energy storage.
• The novel mechanical/optical durability assessment method provides a reliable way to evaluate coating integrity.