Multifunctional scalable coated paper sheets for UV shielding and sublimation printing applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Green Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Agricultural residues present a significant waste stream with potential for valorization.
• Development of sustainable and eco-friendly composite materials is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
• Nanomaterials offer unique properties for enhancing conventional materials like paper.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop silica-based cellulose nanofibers (SCN_NP) and silica nanostructures (SiO_2NP) from rice residues.
• To fabricate and characterize cellulose/silica hybrid composites on a paper matrix.
• To evaluate the performance of modified paper sheets as heat transfer paper for sublimation printing.

Main Methods:

• SCN_NP synthesized via ammonium persulfate hydrolysis under microwave radiation.
• SiO_2NP produced through hydrochloric acid hydrolysis and calcination of rice residue.
• Paper sheets modified with varying concentrations of SCN_NP/SiO_2NP and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) binder.
• Characterization using FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM, TEM, EDX, and ζ-potential.
• Evaluation of paper properties (strength, barrier, UV shielding) and color printing performance.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of SCN_NP and SiO_2NP from rice waste.
• Modified paper sheets exhibited improved surface structure, strength, barrier, and UV shielding properties.
• Paper treated with CPAM/SCN_NP and CPAM/SiO_2NP demonstrated enhanced color depth and outstanding fastness in sublimation printing.
• Remarkable transfer stability was observed even after a second printing run.

Conclusions:

• Rice residue can be effectively converted into valuable silica-based nanomaterials.
• The developed cellulose/silica hybrid composites significantly enhance paper functionality.
• These modified papers serve as a sustainable and high-performance alternative for heat transfer printing applications.