Abstract
In this study, green composite films based on cellulose nanocrystal/chitosan (CNC/CS) were fabricated by solution casting. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM characterizations were conducted to determine the structure and morphology of the prepared films. The addition of only 4 wt.% CNC in the CS film improved the tensile strength and Young’s modulus by up to 39% and 78%, respectively. Depending on CNC content, the moisture absorption decreased by 34.1–24.2% and the water solubility decreased by 35.7–26.5% for the composite films compared with neat CS film. The water vapor permeation decreased from 3.83 × 10−11 to 2.41 × 10−11 gm−1 s−1Pa−1 in the CS-based films loaded with (0–8 wt.%) CNC. The water and UV barrier properties of the composite films showed better performance than those of neat CS film. Results suggested that CNC/CS nanocomposite films can be used as a sustainable packaging material in the food industry.
Highlights
Petrochemical-based polymeric materials are extensively used in various applications ranging from packaging materials to aircraft components
The FTIR spectra of CNC confirmed that a sharp peak at 3350 cm−1 was found due to the OH vibrations in hydrogen bonds [41]
The absorption bands between 2800 and 3000 cm−1 originated from C–H stretching and bending vibrations [42]
Summary
Petrochemical-based polymeric materials are extensively used in various applications ranging from packaging materials to aircraft components. Polymer matrix incorporated with CNC reinforcing filler exhibits superior performance, such as barrier, thermal, and mechanical properties, allowing the manufacturing of next-generation polymer-based nanocomposites [5,28,29,30]. Ma et al [29] examined CS composites reinforced with modified CNC as cellulose spheres for food packaging applications; these composites exhibited reduced water vapor permeation (WVP) and improved thermal/mechanical properties. The current study aims to determine the influence of modified CNC on the physicochemical properties of biodegradable/CS-based nanocomposite films intended for use as edible food packaging with improved UV barrier and mechanical properties. Results are predicted to open up a green avenue toward designing and fabricating fully bio-based and high-barrier materials for sustainable food packaging applications
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