Cellulose nanofiber/bio-polycarbonate composites as a transparent glazing material for carbon sequestration

Climate change, largely attributable to the extensive use of fossil fuels and deforestation, poses a critical global issue. There is a pressing need for innovative and sustainable solutions. This study highlights a significant advancement in materials science: a biomass-sourced transparent composite developed from cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and isosorbide polycarbonates (ISB-PC). This green glazing material serves as a potential replacement for heavy, easily shattered glass in the construction and automotive industries, exhibiting remarkable thermal properties, light transmittance, and mechanical resilience. Notably, the thermal dimensional stability and transparency of the composite matches that of conventional glass. An integral accomplishment is the development of a multi-layered sheet with a thickness beyond 350 μm. These sheets achieved a light transmittance of 62.0% and coefficient of thermal expansion below 60 ppm K⁻¹ (30–120 °C). Another distinguishing feature of this composite is its potential for carbon sequestration owing to its non-degradability. This study underscores the composite’s potential as an eco-friendly alternative to glass.