Abstract
The demand for bioplastic material for industrial applications is increasing. However, moisture absorption and low mechanical strength have limited the use of bioplastic in commercial-scale applications. Macroalgae is no exception to these challenges of bioplastics. In this study, Kappaphycus alvarezii macroalgae were reinforced with lignin nanoparticles. Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were used as a filler to reduce the brittleness and hydrophilic nature of macroalgae (matrix). Lignin nanofiller was produced using a green approach from black liquor of soda pulping waste and purified. The physical, mechanical, morphological, structural, thermal, and water barrier properties of LNPs with and without the purification process in macroalgae films were studied. The bioplastic films’ functional properties, such as physical, mechanical, thermal, and water barrier properties, were significantly improved by incorporating purified and unpurified LNPs. However, the purified LNPs have a greater reinforcement effect on the macroalgae than unpurified LNPs. In this study, bioplastic film with 5% purified LNPs presented the optimum enhancement on almost all the functional properties. The enhancement is attributed to high compatibility due to strong interfacial interaction between the nanofiller and matrix. The developed LNPs/macroalgae bioplastic films can provide additional benefits and solutions to various industrial applications, especially packaging material.
Highlights
The synthetic polymer from fossil fuels has contributed significantly to industrial and technological development
The present study aimed to develop and characterize lignin nanoparticles (LNPs)/macroalgae bioplastic film in this contribution
Noticeable enhancement in the physical, mechanical, morphological, structural, thermal, optical, and water barrier propphysical, mechanical, morphological, structural, thermal, optical, and water barrier propphysical, mechanical, morphological, structural, thermal, optical, and water barrier properties of the macroalgae-based films was presented by incorporating both nanofillers
Summary
The synthetic polymer from fossil fuels has contributed significantly to industrial and technological development. The disposal of synthetic polymers has resulted in severe environmental pollution. The rapidly increasing production of permanent waste generated from synthetic polymers and their effect on the environment is a global challenge. This is mainly due to their non-biodegradability, difficulty in recycling, and contamination. This has adversely impacted humans, wildlife, and the natural environments of wildlife [1]. Continuous findings have been made to manage synthetic waste by replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives
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