Waste paper as a viable sustainable source for cellulosic extraction by chlorine free bleaching and acid hydrolysis method for the production of PVA-starch/cellulose based biocomposites

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibers have displayed great promise for enhancing the mechanical and physical characteristics of polymer composites. Viable sustainable source such as office waste papers were used for the extraction of cellulose The cellulose was isolated using an alkali treatment followed by chlorine free bleaching, and acid hydrolysis method. This is followed by homogenization. The obtained cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were carefully studied for its structure, morphology, and thermal properties. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch composite films were prepared with isolated CNC (1, 3 and 5 wt%) by solution casting method. CNC added to polymer composites increased the film's mechanical strength and barrier characteristics. Films were characterised by), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The film exhibited excellent barrier properties and mechanical properties which is desirable for food packaging applications. Successful isolation of CNCs derived from waste paper enhanced the use of waste paper's fibre resources, resulting in increased economic advantages.