Work

Water-efficient formation of barrier films via airborne nanocelluloses

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This work explores for the first time the air-assisted deposition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), to obtain structured coatings onto cellulose-based supports. First, the fundamental aspects of the hydration and dispersion of CNC agglomerates into single CNC crystallites from an air-water interface, and the formation of coating layers are discussed. Then, the structural and barrier properties of the composites against fluids are analyzed as a function of the CNC layer grammage. Results revealed that the diffusion of water into the CNC agglomerate particles is a very fast process, and less than one minute is enough to achieve the loosening and individualization of the CNC to form homogeneous coatings. Significant CNC layer grammages (up to ~ 90 g/m2) can be attained in a reduced time frame. The structure of the CNC layers are analyzed and related to the liquid and gas barrier properties. This new approach reaches complex materials which may have potential applications in the packaging or membrane fields.

Source: Surfaces and Interfaces

DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106512

Authors: Oriol Cusola, Cristina Valls, M. Blanca Roncero

Institution: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,670

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca