Optical diffuser constructed by assembly of cellulose ether and polymer complex particles

Using sustainable cellulose and its derivatives to prepare optical diffuser is an economic and green approach. Herein, we report a novel optical diffuser constructed by interfacial assembly of cellulose ether (CE) and polymer complex particles (PCP) on flexible and transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate. Owning to the rich hydroxyl groups of CEs, the complex thin film can be further crosslinked by thermal treatment which greatly improves the optical diffusion performance and durability. Without crosslinking, haze (H) of the cellulose complex film is about 81 %, and the film will dissolve in high pH value solution. While after the proper crosslinking, H of the film increases to 95 %, and the film can resist the erosion of high pH solution. Moreover, CE/PCP complex film shows improved anti-bending capacity compared with commercially available optical diffuser for liquid crystal display .