# Synthesis and Characterization of CNC/CNF/rGO Composite Films for Advanced Functional Applications

## TL;DR

This paper describes the creation of composite films using cellulose and graphene oxide, which show strong mechanical and electrical properties suitable for advanced applications like flexible electronics.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the synthesis of CNC/CNF/rGO composite films with exceptional mechanical and electrical properties through eco-friendly methods.

## Key findings

- CNC/CNF/rGO films achieved a tensile strength of 215 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 18 GPa.
- The films demonstrated frequency-independent electrical conductivity up to 30 kHz and low dielectric loss.
- Electrical conductivity increased monotonically with temperature from 0 °C to 200 °C.

## Abstract

Developing advanced functional materials requires the synergistic integration of nanoscale reinforcements with tailored properties. In this work, composite films of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized using a combination of solution casting, high shear homogenization, vacuum filtration, and environmentally friendly chemical reduction. The resulting CNC/CNF/rGO films exhibited a robust hierarchical structure with strong interfacial interactions, enabling exceptional mechanical properties, specifically a tensile strength of 215 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 18 GPa, alongside a continuous conductive network confirmed by frequency-independent electrical conductivity up to 30 kHz. Comprehensive dielectric characterization revealed frequency-dependent permittivity and low dielectric loss, aligning with Maxwell–Wagner theoretical predictions for heterogeneous composites. The composites also demonstrated thermal stability, with electrical conductivity increasing monotonically from 0 °C to 200 °C. These findings highlighted the CNC/CNF/rGO films’ suitability for applications in flexible electronics, electromagnetic shielding, packaging, and high-performance structural materials. Future optimization and modeling approaches, including fractional calculus, are recommended to further enhance multifunctionality and exploit the unique synergistic interactions intrinsic to nanocellulose–graphene oxide platforms.