Films prepared from cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) have recently been considered as promising substrates for the utilization in electronic devices including displays, transistors, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), touchscreens, lithium ion batteries, solar cells, transparent conductive electrodes and antennas. However, a significant drawback for the use of CNF films in such applications is their high sensitivity to moisture. In this work, a novel and facile process to tailor the wettability of CNF film was developed. Firstly, transparent and reactive porous silicone brush-like nanolayers were introduced onto the CNF film surface by polycondensation of trichlorovinylsilane. Next, the pre-modified CNF films were converted superhydrophobic by introducing low surface tension thiolated fluorine and alkyl molecules via thiol-ene chemistry. Water contact angles (WCA) of 167° and WCA hysteresis &lt; 3° were determined and found to change little after extensive rubbing cycles. Moreover, slippery lubricant-infused CNF film displaying repellency against liquids with surface tension as low as 18 mN×m<sup>-1</sup> was demonstrated.

Photo-induced thiol-ene functionalization towards superhydrophobic and slippery lubricant-infused nanocellulose films

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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