Transparent, Antiultraviolet, and Superhydrophobic Cellulose/Aramid Nanofibers Films with Efficient Self-Cleaning and Light Management Performance

Nondegradable and nonrenewable petrochemical-based polymers are extensively used as light-management films, contributing to severe environmental pollution and resource depletion. To address this issue, the development of biodegradable and renewable cellulose-based light-management films presents both a significant opportunity and a formidable challenge. In this study, cellulose/aramid nanofibers (ANFs) composite films with good transparency, high UV-shielding capability, tunable haze, and excellent superhydrophobic property were fabricated on a large scale via a sol-gel transformation approach. It was found that cellulose/ANFs films exhibited outstanding UV-blocking performance, with UVA, UVB, and UVC blocking efficiencies of 99.50%, 99.37%, and 98.54%, respectively, due to the strong ultraviolet absorption capacity of ANFs. Besides, the haze of cellulose/ANFs composite films varied from 42.03% to 93.29%, without substantially sacrificing their transparence. Moreover, cellulose/ANFs light-management films demonstrated robust mechanical property, good thermal stability, and water resistance. Additionally, cellulose/ANFs films achieved good self-cleaning performance after spaying with silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles, enhancing their durability in humid environments. Considering their superior optical, thermal, mechanical, and self-cleaning performances, these cellulose/ANFs light-management films hold great promise for applications in energy-efficient buildings, smart agriculture, transportation, and illumination systems.