Dielectric, transparent, thermally stable and mechanically robust bionanocomposite films based on chitosan and modified cellulose nanocrystals

The growing demand for electronics necessitates the development of novel environmentally responsible materials. A potential approach involves incorporating renewable and sustainable materials with mechanical and electrical properties while ensuring environmentally friendly disposal. Herein, this study reports the dielectric properties of chitosan (CS) reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CN) extracted from post-harvest tomato plant residue. The resulting bionanocomposite material demonstrated remarkable characteristics, including dielectricity, transparency, thermal stability, and mechanical robustness. Additionally, the effect of high-loading fillers (5 and 10 wt %) on the final properties of the material is investigated, as well as the effect of surface functionality of the CNs. The results showed that both the high-loading fillers and the surface functionality of the CNs had a significant impact on the properties of the nanocomposite material. The bionanocomposite materials produced in this study hold great potential as an eco-friendly substitute for conventional electronic materials and beyond. Its dielectric, transparent, thermally stable, and mechanically robust properties render it well-suited for diverse applications. Highlights: The phosphorylated groups insured high Crl (%) and high interface between the filler and matrix. High interface and crystallinity enhanced the mechanical characteristics. Low crystallinity increases the dielectric constant, case of 5% CNS. Filler’ type can tailor and optimize the energy dissipation up to tan δ = 0.5 for 5% CNP. Detection of Warburg impedance proves the interface polarization presence.