Fullerene C60/Eucommia ulmoides rubber nanocomposite films with excellent UV-blocking performance for controlling wheat scab fungus.

• Novel C 60 /EUR films were fabricated for controlling wheat scab fungus. • Structure and properties of C 60 /EUR films were extensively investigated. • C 60 /EUR films showed the excellent UV-blocking performance and stretchability. • 2 % C 60 /EUR film exhibited good inhibition of Fusarium graminearumt for 10 days. It is significant to develop biodegradable and functional claddings instead of plastic covers providing an environmental-friendly solution for wheat scab fungus control in agriculture. Herein, the nanocomposite films were prepared by adding different amounts of fullerene C 60 into the Eucommia ulmoides rubber (EUR) matrix under ultrasonic-assisted treatment. These nanocomposite films were characterized by using AFM, Raman, XPS, UV and XRD, and their thermal stability, mechanical properties, WVP, EM wave absorption, and inhibition effect on Fusarium graminearum in vitro as well as in wheat seeds were also investigated in detail. The results showed the incorporation of C 60 effectively enhanced the crystallinity, melting and mechanical properties. More importantly, C 60 could endow the nanocomposite films excellent UV-blocking performance, 100 % of the UV spectrum was shielded. Interestingly, it was found photoselective inhibition of F. graminearum by UV-blocking using C 60 /EUR nanocmoposite films. Especially, 2 % C 60 /EUR nanocomposite film displayed excellent incidence rate control for 10 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]