All-biobased transparent-wood: A new approach and its environmental-friendly packaging application | JoVE Visualize

All-biobased transparent-wood: A new approach and its environmental-friendly packaging application

Le Van Hai¹, Ruth M Muthoka², Pooja S Panicker²

¹CRC for Nanocellulose Future Composites, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea; Pulp and Paper Technology Dept., Phutho College of Industry and Trade, Phutho, Viet Nam.

Carbohydrate Polymers|April 29, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed an all-biobased transparent wood using cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and chitosan (CTS). This sustainable material offers enhanced mechanical strength, UV shielding, and antioxidant properties, suitable for packaging and solar cells.

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Biomaterials Engineering
Sustainable Polymers

Background:

Transparent wood (TW) is an emerging material with potential for biobased products.
Current TW often requires non-natural infiltrants, limiting its all-biobased potential.
Developing fully natural TW is crucial for sustainable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To create an all-biobased transparent wood (TW) using cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and chitosan (CTS).
To investigate the effects of CNF and CTS on the properties of TW.
To evaluate the suitability of the developed TW for various applications.

Main Methods:

Bleached Fir veneer wood was infiltrated with cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and chitosan (CTS) suspensions using a vacuum jar.
CNF was isolated via combined chemical and physical methods.
Properties investigated include mechanical strength, morphology, crystallinity, water contact angle, antioxidant, thermal, and UV-shielding characteristics.

Main Results:

The all-biobased TW exhibited 80% total transmittance and 30-60% haze, suitable for solar cells.
Enhanced thermal stability up to 315°C and excellent UV-B/UV-C shielding were observed.
CNF-TW showed over 200% improvement in tensile and yield strength.
CTS-TW demonstrated significantly increased antioxidant properties.

Conclusions:

An all-biobased transparent wood was successfully fabricated using CNF and CTS.
The material exhibits promising optical, mechanical, thermal, and protective properties.
Potential applications include environment-friendly packaging (bags, medicine packaging, straws) and solar cells.

Keywords: