Cellulose materials with high light transmittance and high haze: a review

With the gradual depletion of non-renewable resources and growing environmental problems, the research of cellulosic materials has become one of the most pressing concerns for scientists. Cellulose is a glucose-based macromolecular polymer that is insoluble in water and most organic solvents. By virtue of their renewability, sustainability, biodegradability as well as excellent and tunable optical performance, cellulose composite films with high transmittance and high haze have attracted significant attention in recent years, and have potential applications in flexible lighting and displays, anti-reflection and anti-glare coatings, etc. In this article, the latest progress in recent years in the preparation of cellulose materials with high light transmittance and high haze was reviewed. An overview of preparation and properties of cellulose materials with high light transmittance and high haze was discussed, including nanocellulose films, regenerated cellulose films, carboxymethylcellulose films and others. The potential applications are described and the challenges are highlighted.