Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanocrystal/graphene oxide blended films

Hybrid composites with organic and inorganic materials are drawing interest to researchers by adopting advantages of organic materials and inorganic materials. Cellulose is biocompatible, cheap, environmentally friendly, renewable and lightweight material. Nano crystalline form of cellulose (CNC) is a needle like rigid structure with a very high mechanical strength. Graphene, crystalline forms of carbon, provides basic platform for many electronic and optoelectronic devices. This paper introduces the fabrication process of cellulose nanocrystal/graphene oxide blended nanocomposite film. Cellulose nanocrystal/graphene oxide nanocomposite films are prepared by mixing graphene oxide (GO) into cellulose nanocrystal suspension using ultrasonic homogenizer. Scanning electron microscopy is used to study morphology. Optical properties of the composite was characterized to evaluate the change in transparency after addition of GO in CNC.