Optically transparent cellulose nanocomposites

CELL 25

Hiroyuki Yano1, Masaya Nogi, nogi@rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp1, Shinsuke Ifuku1, Kentaro Abe1, Shinichiro Iwamoto1, and Keishin Handa2. (1) Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, 611-0011, Japan, (2) Mitsubishi Chemical Group Science and Technology Research Center, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 227-8502, Japan
We have developed a transparent polymeric nanocomposite using a web-like bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofiber network as the mechanical reinforcing agent. Surprisingly, the composite is optically transparent at a fiber content of as high as 70% as well as flexible, with a low thermal expansion coefficient (similar to that of silicon crystal), and mechanical strength five times that of engineered plastics. These significant improvements in thermal and mechanical characteristics of the BC composite make it an excellent candidate for transparent substrate of organic EL (OLED) flexible display.
 

Structure and Properties of Cellulosic Polymers, Assemblies, and Nanocomposites
1:00 PM-4:45 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. R07, Oral

Division of Cellulose & Renewable Materials

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008