Transparent and flexible regenerated cellulose films prepared from aqueous alkali/urea solutions exhibit high oxygen barrier properties. The oxygen permeabilities of these films vary widely depending on the dissolution and regeneration conditions. Moreover, properties of the films can be markedly improved by controlling the drying conditions. By pre-pressing followed by vacuum drying under compression, the tensile strength, Young's modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion and oxygen permeability of the films reached 263 MPa, 7.3 GPa, 10.3 ppm K�1 and 0.0007 ml �m m�2 day�1 kPa�1, respectively. These improved properties are accompanied by a clear increase in cellulose crystallinity during pre-pressing/press-vacuum drying process. At the same time, the film density increased to 1.57 g cm�3, and the moisture content decreased to 9.8%. The aqueous alkali/urea solvent system has potential applications in producing new and environmentally friendly cellulose films with superior performance through controlling of the preparation and drying conditions.

High gas barrier and strong cellulose films fabricated by controlling preparation and drying conditions of regenerated cellulose hydrogels

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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