High-Optical-Performance Composite Films of Deep Eutectic Solvent Pretreated-Cellulose Nanofibrils and Fibrous Clay Minerals
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) produced via deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment were used, for the first time, to prepare composite films/nanopapers with fibrous clays (sepiolite and palygorskite). Highly transparent films containing up to 50% clay were successfully obtained, avoiding energy-intensive homogenization processes and clay chemical modifications, with absolute transparency losses relative to the transparency of the neat CNF film of ∼15% for 50% sepiolite. Higher transparency losses were found for TEMPO-oxidized CNF and cationic CNF composite films prepared for comparison purposes. Moreover, films with wet micronized sepiolite exhibited higher transparency than those with dry micronized sepiolite or with palygorskite. The combination of very thin, highly functionalized, and dispersible nanofibrils of DES CNF with sepiolite fibers enabled the production of films with a very dense and compact structure, contributing to their high optical performance. The straightforward preparation method and the incorporation of clay minerals allow the reduction of the film production costs.
Source: Biomacromolecules
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: Nova geração de filmes compósitos de nanofibrilas de celulose e partículas minerais como materiais de elevada resistência mecânica e propriedades de barreira a gases, Centro de Tecnologia, Restauro e Valorização das Artes, G2893975916, Nanocellulose-based films for the enhancement of paper properties in novel applications, CERES - Chemical Engineering and Renewable Resources for Sustainability
OpenAlex ID: W4413919555