Cellulose nanofibre films can be utilized to reinforce flexible and optical polymers for the production of substrates for flexible displays and sensors. However, the nanocellulose composite and nanocellulose films undergo extensive photoyellowing. The difference is how rapid the discoloration occurs. Photoyellowing of the nanocellulose fibers can be caused by several factors such as UV light, oxygen (oxidative degradation), heat (thermal degradation). Some of the factors could be combined together as thermal oxidative degradation. The mechanism of photoyellowing can have following steps: lignin photoactive groups absorb the energy, formation of the intermediate structure and light absorption by chromophores. Type of wood, mechanical treatment, final pH of the fibers can have an influence on discoloration rate too.

Fundamental understanding of photoyellowing of NCC and NFC for durable applications

251st National Meeting (2016)

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