Preparation and anti-UV property of modified cellulose membranes for biopesticides controlled release

•Cellulose membrane with anti-UV property was obtained.•Biopesticides were protected by this cellulose membrane perfectly.•Water retention value was decreased with increased crosslinking density.•Controlled release property could be optimized by crosslinking density.

A novel modified cellulose membrane was prepared for biopesticides controlled release. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was modified by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4′-dihydroxy benzophenone (DHBP) under a homogeneous condition for the coating of biopesticides to provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The anti-UV property, hydrophobicity, and permeability of modified cellulose membranes were characterized. Results showed that the modified cellulose membranes had good anti-UV properties. Higher crosslinking density provided better protection while the C2 (crosslinker system:MCC weight ratio of 0.3288:1) concentration demonstrated an excellent anti-UV property. Modified cellulose membranes could protect biopesticides against UV irradiation over a long period. Water retention value (WRV) tests showed that higher crosslinking density led modified cellulose membranes more hydrophobic. The biopesticides permeation rate of modified cellulose membranes dropped rapidly with increasing crosslinking density. The results indicate that the anti-UV property, hydrophobicity and permeability of modified cellulose membranes could be optimized for the requirement of biopesticides controlled release.