Improving water-responsive actuation of microfibrillated cellulose films by aluminum cross-linking
Abstract
This study focuses on developing and characterizing monolayer films with the purpose of designing a waterresponsive bio-based bilayer design, incorporating microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). MFC, with their high aspect ratio and surface area, provide a network of highly hydrogen-bonded microfibers exhibiting superior mechanical properties. To achieve a highly water-sensitive material, CMC with a high substitution degree of the carboxylic group was incorporated into the MFC matrix. Additionally, to maintain film integrity after water uptake, the films were cross-linked with aluminum ions (Al 3+ ), which improved the film resistance without compromising the water uptake. MFC, MFC/CMC (1:1 mass ratio), and Al 3+ -cross-linked MFC/CMC films were prepared by vacuum filtration, and their response to water was monitored through water uptake and changes in mechanical properties. Water-responsive actuators were designed and prepared by combining tape with MFC or MFC/CMC layers, with and without Al 3+ cross-linking. Bending was observed after incubation at controlled relative humidity or by immersion in water. Al 3+ cross-linking clearly improved mechanical resistance, which provided stable films that bent in response to water uptake. The work presented here can be used to control actuation in cellulose-based films and gives insight into the parameters involved in the film bending.
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BibTeX
@article{ardiladiaz2026improving,
title = {{Improving water-responsive actuation of microfibrillated cellulose films by aluminum cross-linking}},
author = {Lina Daniela Ardila-Diaz and Lisa Lopes da Costa and Jean-Eudes Maigret and Denis Lourdin and Karin Schroen and Ana Villares},
journal = {Reactive and Functional Polymers},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2026.106764},
url = {https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05829515v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Improving water-responsive actuation of microfibrillated cellulose films by aluminum cross-linking
AU - Lina Daniela Ardila-Diaz
AU - Lisa Lopes da Costa
AU - Jean-Eudes Maigret
AU - Denis Lourdin
AU - Karin Schroen
AU - Ana Villares
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Reactive and Functional Polymers
DO - 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2026.106764
UR - https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05829515v1
AB - This study focuses on developing and characterizing monolayer films with the purpose of designing a waterresponsive bio-based bilayer design, incorporating microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). MFC, with their high aspect ratio and surface area, provide a network of highly hydrogen-bonded microfibers exhibiting superior mechanical properties. To achieve a highly water-sensitive material, CMC with a high substitution degree of the carboxylic group was incorporated into the MFC matrix. Additionally, to maintain film integrity after water uptake, the films were cross-linked with aluminum ions (Al 3+ ), which improved the film resistance without compromising the water uptake. MFC, MFC/CMC (1:1 mass ratio), and Al 3+ -cross-linked MFC/CMC films were prepared by vacuum filtration, and their response to water was monitored through water uptake and changes in mechanical properties. Water-responsive actuators were designed and prepared by combining tape with MFC or MFC/CMC layers, with and without Al 3+ cross-linking. Bending was observed after incubation at controlled relative humidity or by immersion in water. Al 3+ cross-linking clearly improved mechanical resistance, which provided stable films that bent in response to water uptake. The work presented here can be used to control actuation in cellulose-based films and gives insight into the parameters involved in the film bending.
SN - 1381-5148
SN - 1873-166X
ER -