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It is still a challenge to realize super clear cellulose-based film materials with different functional combinations. This study presents a novel concept of fabricating flame-retardant, mechanically strong, UV and blue light double-blocking carboxymethylated cellulose-based nanocomposite bioplastics enabled by nano-metal organic framework (MIL-125(Ti)-NH 2). Carboxymethylated cellulose gel with porous structure acts as nanoreactor and carboxyl groups as reactive sites to facilitate the growth and anchorage of nano-MIL-125(Ti)-NH 2. Super clear bioplastics were obtained through hot-pressing. The results show that the neat carboxymethylated cellulose bioplastic possesses high transmittance (94.1% at 600 nm) and low haze (2.0% at 600 nm). The incorporation of nano-MIL-125(Ti)-NH 2 enabled nanocomposite bioplastics to obtain UV and blue light double-shielding capability meanwhile retaining high transmittance (79–92.8%) and low haze (2.6–7.2%). Moreover, the incorporation of nano-MIL-125(Ti)-NH 2 was found to significantly improve the mechanical strength and decrease the flammability of nanocomposite bioplastics. This facile strategy would direct nanocomposite bioplastics toward diversified applications. • Nano-MIL-125(Ti)-NH 2 -embedded nanocomposite bioplastics were prepared. • Nanocomposite bioplastics showed UV and blue light double-blocking capacity. • Nanocomposite bioplastics exhibited high optical transmittance and low haze. • Nano-MIL-125(Ti)-NH 2 improved tensile strength and flame retardant of bioplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of photothermal materials with a high light-to-heat conversion capability is essential for the utilization of clean solar energy. In this work, we demonstrate the use of a novel and sustainable concept involving cellulose liquefaction, rapid gelation, in situ synthesis and hot-press drying to convert cellulose and metal–organic framework (Prussian blue) into a stable photothermal bioplastic that can harvest sunlight and convert it into mechanical motion. As expected, the obtained Prussian blue@cellulose bioplastic (PCBP) can effectively absorb sunlight and the surface can be heated up to 70.3 °C under one sun irradiation (100 mW cm−2). As a demonstration of the practicality of PCBP, it was successfully used to drive a Stirling engine motion. Meanwhile, hot-pressing promotes the densification of the structure of PCBP and, therefore, improves the resistance to the penetration of water/non-aqueous liquids. Moreover, PCBP shows good mechanical properties and thermal stability. Given the excellent photothermal performance and environmentally friendly features of photothermal conversion bioplastic, we envisage this sustainable plastic film could play important roles toward diversified applications: a photothermal layer for thermoelectric generator, agricultural films for soil mulching and photothermal antibacterial activity, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perspective of sustainable development and practical applications, there has been a great need for the design of multifunctional transparent cellulose-based composite films. We herein propose a novel concept of improving the mechanical, fire-resistant and ultraviolet (UV)-blue light shielding properties of cellulose-based composite bioplastic films though in situ embedding nano-metal organic framework (MIL-125(Ti)-NH2) into regenerated cellulose gel. Regenerated cellulose hydrogel (CH) with a porous structure acts as a nanoreactor and stabilizer to facilitate the growth and anchorage of MIL-125(Ti)-NH2 nanoparticles (MNPs). Subsequently, hot-pressing induces the formation of transparent MIL-125(Ti)-NH2@cellulose bioplastics (MNP@CBPs). As expected, the MNP@CBPs exhibit exceptional UV-blue light shielding capability, while retaining satisfactory optical transmittance. Meanwhile, with the incorporation of MNPs, the mechanical strength of MNP@CBPs is increased by 6.5~25.9%. In addition, MNPs enhance the flame retardant effect of the MNP@CBPs. The limited oxygen index (LOI) of the MNP@CBPs increased from 21.95 to 27.01%. The hot-pressing process improves the resistance of the MNP@CBPs to the penetration of water/non-aqueous liquids. This simple strategy would direct sustainable multifunctional MNP@CBPs toward diversified applications: food containers or packaging materials that can reduce or eliminate food spoilage, screen protectors for blocking harmful light, and promising candidates for protective plastic products, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]