We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Free standing nanocellulose films – fabrication methods, surface engineering and recyclability
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines fabrication methods, surface engineering approaches, and recyclability of free-standing nanocellulose films, highlighting their potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic plastic films across various applications.
Free-standing nanocellulose films are among the predominant products derived from nanocellulose-based nanomaterials. These films have the potential to serve as alternatives to synthetic plastics in various applications. This review highlights the capacity of nanocellulose to develop films primarily used as barrier materials. Several methods are available for fabricating free-standing nanocellulose films and their composites. However, traditional techniques such as solvent casting and vacuum filtration are often time-consuming in the formation of wet films. Therefore, there is a need for faster fabrication methods. Spray coating emerges as a rapid and flexible process that accelerates the formation of nanocellulose films by spraying nanocellulose suspension onto polished stainless-steel surfaces. This method allows for surface engineering of the films, enabling the development of functional materials such as barriers and substrates for flexible electronics. The review summarizes various fabrication approaches suitable for large-scale production, emphasizing their efficiency and scalability. Additionally, considerations regarding the recyclability and surface engineering of nanocellulose films are discussed, highlighting their potential as functional materials within a circular economy framework. Nanocellulose films offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, contributing to environmental conservation. Moreover, nanocellulose is an eco-friendly material with the capacity to combat microplastics and nanoplastics originating from synthetic plastics, thus supporting efforts toward reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability.
More Papers Like This
Nanocellulose-based packaging materials: Unlocking a sustainable path beyond microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers review nanocellulose extracted from plant biomass as a sustainable packaging alternative to petroleum-based plastics, examining how its mechanical strength, tunable surface chemistry, and barrier properties can replace synthetic films and coatings while offering biodegradability and recyclability to reduce microplastic pollution from packaging waste.
Development of Cellulose Nanofiber Based Nanopapers as Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Derived Industrial Materials
AI summary Read the abstract
Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) nanopapers derived from renewable biomass were shown through numerical simulations to match the mechanical and barrier performance of synthetic polymer films while substantially reducing environmental footprint and eliminating microplastic shedding. This scalable platform positions biodegradable CNF materials as direct substitutes for petroleum-based plastics in packaging, filtration, and electronics applications, targeting microplastic pollution at the source.
Life Cycle Assessment of Nanocellulose-Based Bioplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews existing research on nanocellulose-based bioplastics, a possible alternative to conventional plastics linked to microplastic pollution. It examines their environmental impacts across production, use and disposal, including how farming and extraction methods affect sustainability, using life-cycle assessment methods.
Development of sulfated polysaccharide‐based film reinforced with seaweed biomass‐derived nanofillers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a biodegradable cling film for food packaging using sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the Indian brown seaweed Sargassum wightii as the base material, reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals isolated from the residual seaweed biomass. The response surface method was used to maximize cellulose nanocrystal yield, and the resulting film was characterized as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic packaging.
Renewable cellulosic nanocomposites for food packaging to avoid fossil fuel plastic pollution: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how cellulose nanoparticles extracted from plant biomass can replace petroleum-based plastics in food packaging, finding that adding just 1–5% cellulose nanoparticles significantly improves strength, reduces oxygen and water vapor permeability, and keeps packaging biodegradable. The review positions cellulose nanocomposites as a scalable, eco-friendly alternative to fossil-fuel plastics that contribute to microplastic pollution.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.