The fabrication of self-assembled cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films of tunable photonic and mechanical properties using a facile, green approach is demonstrated. The combination of tunable flexibility and iridescence can dramatically expand CNC coating and film barrier capabilities for paints and coating applications, sustainable consumer packaging products, as well as effective templates for photonic and optoelectronic materials and structures.
Keywords: actuators; amphoteric surfactants; cellulose nanocrystals; liquid crystals; photonics.
© 2016 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.