Disintegrable, transparent and mechanically robust high-performance antimony tin oxide/nanocellulose/polyvinyl alcohol thermal insulation films

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 266; p. 118175
• Main Authors: Fang, Dongjun, Yu, Huang, Dirican, Mahmut, Tian, Yan, Xie, Jingyi, Jia, Dongmei, Yan, Chaoyi, Liu, Yi, Li, Chunxing, Liu, Hao, Wang, Jiasheng, Tang, Fangcheng, Chen, Gang, Zhang, Xiangwu, Tao, Jinsong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.08.2021
• Subjects: ATO nanoparticle; Cellulose nanofiber; Disintegrable; Recyclable; Solar radiation; Transparent insulation film; ATO nanoparticle; Transparent insulation film; Disintegrable; Solar radiation; Cellulose nanofiber; Recyclable
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118175

Polymer-based thermal insulation films are widely utilized to reduce the influence of solar radiation. However, current thermal insulation films face several challenges from poor thermal insulation performance and severe environmental pollution, which are caused by the non-disintegratability of polymer substrates. Here, cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/antimony tin oxide (ATO) hybrid films with and without polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are presented and they can be used as window thermal barrier films and personal thermal management textiles. The hybrid films exhibit prominent thermal insulation performance, blocking 91.07% ultraviolet(UV) light, reflecting 95.19% near-infrared(NIR) light, and transmitting 44.89% visible(VIS) light. Meanwhile, the hybrid films demonstrate high thermal stability, high anti-UV aging stability, and robust mechanical properties. Moreover, the used-up hybrid films based on natural cellulose are of high disintegratability and recyclability. Our present work is anticipated to open up a new avenue for the fabrication of next-generation high-performance thermal insulation films with sustainable and environmentally friendly processes. An advanced transparent thermal insulation film is proposed and can be used for window thermal shielding and personal textile thermal management. The film has excellent thermal insulation performance, high thermal stability, strong mechanical properties, high anti-ultraviolet aging stability, and excellent environmental degradability. [Display omitted] •A transparent thermal insulation film composed of ATO and CNF was prepared.•The hybrid film is disintegrable and recyclable.•The hybrid film is optically transparent and exhibits excellent thermal insulation.•The hybrid film has excellent mechanical strength and thermal stability.•The hybrid film can be used for window insulation and personal thermal management.