Title : The layer by layer assembly thin film of cationic cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals and their antireflection, anti-fogging and anti-frosting properties
Abstract:
In this research, multifunctional nanoporous thin films are prepared from cellulose derivatives, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as a nanofiller reinforcement and cationic cellulose (CC) as matrices, via layer by layer assembly. The effect of dipping time, number of bilayers, solution pH, ionic strength, the temperature on the thickness of the as-prepared thin films are studied. The results show a continuous increase on the film thickness with increasing dipping time and a number of bilayers, while more complicated changes are observed with the change of solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature. The transmittance and anti-reflective properties of the as-prepared thin films are investigated by using UV-Vis. The surface morphology and the wettability properties are also studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical contact angle meter, respectively. Further, the resultant films are demonstrated to exhibit anti-fogging and anti-frosting behaviors due to their porous structure and hydrophilic surface.
Audience Take Away:
- The purpose of this research inserting the natural polymers in the field of polymer to replacing the petrochemical based polymers. Such as cellulose nano crystal (CNC) as most abundant polysaccharide derivatives.
- We fabricate coating from cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as nanoparticles with cationic cellulose as a matrix, utilizing (LbL) technique. The CNC morphology and properties are impressive, their uniformity and high aspect ratio can be very favorably compared with synthetic nanoparticles, also, the simplicity of preparation, and can be considered an example of naturally perfect nanostructures.
- Therefore, the nanoporous on the film surface they do not scatter light, due to they have nanosize structure, which enhanced the transmittance level of the film. This property opens up numerous possibilities for use as a multifunctional coating in the optical applications.
- The film surface was exposed to a different characterization method to investigate their behavior in the practical use. The water uptake behavior shows the CC film absorbed less amount of water from the ambient environment (from water solution and humidity). Also, CC film exhibited anti-fogging and ant-frosting properties.
