Optically transparent membrane based on bacterial cellulose/polycaprolactone

• Main Author: Barud,H. S.
• Publication Date: 2013
• Other Authors: Ribeiro,S. J. L., Carone,C. L. P, Ligabue,R., Einloft,Sandra, Queiroz,P. V. S., Borges,A. P. B., Jahno,V. D.
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Polímeros (São Carlos. Online)
• Download full: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-14282013000100023
• topic: Bacterial cellulose; polycaprolactone; transparent membrane

Optically transparent membranes from bacterial cellulose (BC)/polycaprolactone (PCL) have been prepared by impregnation of PCL acetone solution into dried BC membranes. UV-Vis measurements showed an increase on transparency in BC/PCL membrane when compared with pristine BC. The good transparency of the BC/PCL can be related to the presence of BC nanofibers associated with deposit of PCL nano-sized spherulites which are smaller than the wavelength of visible light and practically free of light scattering. XRD results show that cellulose type I structure is preserved inside the BC/PCL membrane, while the mechanical properties suggested indicated that PCL acts as a plasticizer for the BC membrane. The novel BC/PCL membrane could be used for preparation of fully biocompatible flexible display and biodegradable food packaging.