Andiroba Oil (Carapa guianensis Aubletet) as a Functionalizing Agent for Titica Vine (Heteropsis flexuosa) Nanofibril Films: Biodegradable Products from Species Native to the Amazon Region

Abstract

The diversity of species in Amazonia is exceptionally vast and unique, and it is of great interest for industry sectors to explore the potential of derivatives with functional properties for packaging applications. This study proposes the functionalization of cellulose micro/nanofibril (MFC/NFC) suspensions from Heteropsis flexuosa with andiroba oil to produce films with packaging potential. MFC/NFC was produced by using mechanical fibrillation from suspensions of H. flexuosa fibers. Proportions of 1, 3, and 5% of andiroba oil were added to make films with concentrations of 1% (m/m). Suspensions with andiroba oil provided greater viscosity, with changes in the physical properties of the films. Functionalization with andiroba oil provided films with lower degradation in water, greater contact angle, and lower wettability despite high permeability to water vapor. The films with 1% andiroba oil showed a hydrophobic characteristic (contact angle > 90°) and greater puncture resistance (6.70 N mm−1). Films with 3% oil showed a more transparent appearance and high biodegradation, while 1% oil generated more opaque films with a higher thermal degradation temperature and high antioxidant activity. It was concluded that films produced from H. flexuosa fibers functionalized with andiroba oil showed packaging potential for light, low-moisture products due to their adequate thermal and barrier characteristics.