Nanocellulose-based composites: fundamentals and applications in electronics

Abstract Nanocellulose has been established to be one of the most promising green resources of modern times due to its inherent properties and renewability. In this chapter, we present the fundamentals of nanocellulose-based composite materials and their significance in electronics applications. The composites involving various types, including films, papers, and aerogels comprising nanocellulose incorporated with conducting polymers, carbon nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles and oxides, etc. have been discussed. The underlying mechanism for nanocellulose composites to be utilized for electronics device fabrication includes flexible and printed electronics, energy storage and conversion devices, and dielectric and microwave absorbing systems has been systematically presented. The ability of nanocellulose to provide mechanical supports for freestanding flexible and thermally stable electronic devices has been widely exploited. This chapter aims at providing an outline in the fabrication process and significance of nanocellulose composites in the entire electronics.