Development and characterization of cellulose thin films via wet-laid process

Cellulose filaments derived from kraft pulp using a chemical-free mechanical process present unique opportunities for the development of sustainable thin films. This study explores how dispersion conditions, specifically agitation time, agitation speed, and suspension concentration, affect the formation and properties of thin films prepared via the wet-laid method. Morphological and chemical characterizations confirmed the high aspect ratio, nanoscale width, and cellulose-rich composition of the filaments. Experimental results revealed that higher agitation intensities increased filtration time and decreased fibre retention. Physical and mechanical analyses showed that film thickness, grammage, and density were strongly influenced by the dispersion parameters, with optimal tensile strength achieved under intermediate-to-high agitation conditions. These findings demonstrate that the wet-laid process offers a predictable, robust, and tunable platform for fabricating high-performance lightweight micro cellulose films. Such materials hold significant potential for sustainable packaging, coatings, and composite systems.