Abstract
In this work, deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on imidazole and triethylmethylammonium chloride was used as a reaction medium for the esterification of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and all-cellulose composite (ACC) films with n-octylsuccinic anhydride (OSA) to obtain high strength and sustainable films with increased hydrophobicity. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to prove the success of the modification. The mechanical strength of the modified films was analyzed in dry, humid, and wet conditions, and the hydrophobicity of the films was indicated in terms of contact angle measurements. In addition, water absorption and transparency of the films were characterized. The modification was proven to be simple and fast, and mild conditions of 80 °C reaction temperature and 1 h reaction time were used. DES/OSA- modified CNF film exhibited better mechanical properties in dry, humid, and wet conditions compared to reference CNF film, and DES/OSA-modified ACC film displayed notable higher mechanical properties in wet state compared to that of reference CNF film (31 MPa tensile strength and 6.1% strain at break vs. 18 MPa and 2.2%, respectively). These improvements were partly attributed to higher contact angles of modified films (ACC-DES/OSA 60° and CNF-DES/OSA 51°) compared to CNF film (37°).Graphic abstract
Highlights
Earth’s human population is growing at an increasing pace, directly leading to an increase in the consumption of materials derived from fossil resources
This study introduces a novel, fast, and simple approach for surface modification of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and allcellulose composite (ACC) films using deep eutectic solvent (DES) of imidazole and triethylmethylammonium chloride (TEMACl) as a reaction media and n-octylsuccinic anhydride as a reagent
The self-standing CNF and ACC films were modified with n-octylsuccinic anhydride (OSA) using a DES of imidazole and TEMACl as a reaction medium
Summary
Earth’s human population is growing at an increasing pace, directly leading to an increase in the consumption of materials derived from fossil resources This has been a driving force for researching and developing more sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable materials for replacing current petroleum-based products. CNF films have a good resistance for grease as well as excellent oxygen barrier properties in dry conditions For these reasons, CNF films have been introduced as green alternatives in many applications such as food packaging (Nair et al 2014; Aulin et al 2010; Wang et al 2018), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays (Zhu et al 2014), and organic solar cells (Fang et al 2014)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
