Interconnected Microdomain Structure of a Cross-Linked Cellulose Nanocomposite Revealed by Micro-Raman Imaging and Its Influence on Water Permeability of a Film

Substantial adsorption of water vapor triggered by hydrogen-bonding interactions between water molecules and cellulose chains (or nanoplates) is hard to avoid in nanocomposite films, although the addition of nanoplates can improve the oxygen (or carbon dioxide) barrier property. In the present work, an effective strategy is raised to decline adsorption by weakening hydrogen-bonding interactions via chemical cross-linking by epichlorohydrin (ECH)...