AI Article Synopsis
- The study investigates how chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystal films (CNC-X) change their optical and structural properties when heated at high temperatures (200 °C and 240 °C) for up to two days.
- Despite some loss of iridescence and other optical qualities, the films maintain their chiral structure due to the stability of cellulose and surface alkali ions that prevent degradation.
- The findings suggest that CNC-X films could be useful in applications such as temperature sensors and photonic devices due to their adaptable and sustainable nature.
Article Abstract
The properties of chiral nematic and iridescent cellulose nanocrystal films with different monovalent cations (CNC-X) obtained through evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) can be modified by a variety of external stimuli. Here, we study the transformations of their optical and structural properties when the films are thermally annealed at 200 °C and 240 °C for up to 2 days. The chiral nematic structure of the most thermally stable films is not destroyed even after extensive heating due to the thermochemical stability of the cellulose backbone and the presence of surface alkali counterions, which suppress catalysis of early stage degradation. Despite the resilience of the cholesteric structure and the overall integrity of heated CNC-X films, thermal annealing is often accompanied by reduction of iridescence, birefringence, and transparency, as well as formation of degradation products. The versatility, sustainability, and stability of CNC-X films highlight their potential as temperature indicators and photonic devices.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118468 | DOI Listing |
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