Self-healable hydrophobic films fabricated by incorporating natural wax into cellulose matrix

Biodegradable cellulose films have high mechanical strength, excellent flexibility, and good transparency, which are potential candidate materials to replace petroleum-based packaging materials and disposable products. However, the poor hydrophobicity of cellulose films seriously limits their practical application. Herein, selfhealing hydrophobic films were fabricated by incorporating natural wax into cellulose matrix. The effects of types of natural waxes, wax content, and annealing temperature on the performances of films were systematically investigated. The resultant films exhibited good hydrophobicity (water contact angle: ~120 degrees), and high tensile strength (>120 MPa), which could be completely biodegraded in natural soil (within 81 days). Importantly, the self-healing of hydrophobic films could be achieved by releasing wax from inside to surface of cellulose matrix during the annealing process. This work demonstrated a facile strategy for designing and developing hydrophobic and self-healable cellulose-based materials for packaging materials to replace petrochemical plastics, which is conducive to alleviate environmental problems caused by nondegradable plastic pollution.

Automated summary

In this study, biodegradable cellulose films with excellent properties were successfully fabricated by incorporating natural wax into the cellulose matrix. The films exhibited good hydrophobicity and high tensile strength, and could be completely biodegraded in natural soil. The self-healing ability of the hydrophobic films was achieved through the release of wax during the annealing process. This research provides a facile strategy for developing cellulose-based materials as sustainable alternatives to petrochemical plastics, contributing to the mitigation of environmental issues caused by nondegradable plastic pollution.