Biocomposite Films Research Articles

Solution Blowing Spinning Technology towards Green Development of Urea Sensor Nanofibers Immobilized with Hydrazone Probe.

Cellulose has been one of the most widespread materials due to its renewability, excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, high absorption ability, biocompatibility and cheapness. Novel, simple and green colorimetric fibrous film sensor was developed by immobilization of urease enzyme (U) and tricyanofuran hydrazone (TCFH) molecular probe onto cellulose nanofibers (CNF). Cellulose acetate nanofibers (CANF) were firstly prepared from cellulose acetate using the simple, green and low cost solution blowing spinning technology. The produced CANF was exposed to deacetylation to introduce CNF, which was then treated with a mixture of TCFH and urease enzyme to introduce CNF-TCFH-U nanofibrous biosensor. CNF were reinforced with tricyanofuran hyrazone molecular probe and urease enzyme was encapsulated into calcium alginate biopolymer to establish a biocomposite film. This CNF-TCFH-U naked-eye sensor can be applied as a disposable urea detector. CNF demonstrated a large surface area and was utilized as a carrier for TCFH, which is the spectroscopic probe and urease is a catalyst. The biochromic CNF-TCFH-U nanofibrous biosensor responds to an aqueous medium of urea via a visible color signal changing from off-white to dark pink. The morphology of the generated CNF and CNF-TCFH-U nanofibrous films were characterized by different analytical tools, including energy-dispersive X-ray patterns (EDX), polarizing optical microscope (POM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images of CNF-TCFH-U nanofibers demonstrated diameters between 800 nm and 2.5 μm forming a nonwoven fabric with a homogeneous distribution of TCFH/urease-containing calcium alginate nanoparticles on the surface of CNF. The morphology of the cross-linked calcium alginate nanoparticles was also explored using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to indicate an average diameter of 56–66 nm. The photophysical performance of the prepared CNF-TCFH-U was also studied by CIE Lab coloration parameters. The nanofibrous film biosensor displayed a relatively rapid response time (5–10 min) and a limit of detection as low as 200 ppm and as high as 1400 ppm. Tricyanofuran hydrazone is a pH-responsive disperse dye comprising a hydrazone detection group. Determination of urea occurs through a proton transfer from the hydrazone group to the generated ammonia from the reaction of urea with urease.

Application of Corn Fibers from Harvest Residues in Biocomposite Films

Agro-industrial residues are difficult to dispose of or reuse; however, it can be used to generate goods such as biodegradable packaging. The aim was to isolate and characterize fibers from corn stalks, husks, and cobs, and apply them in starch composite films (control, 5 g 100 g−1, 10 g 100 g−1, 15 g 100 g−1 and 20 g 100 g−1). The cellulose fibers were isolated by alkaline treatment and characterized by its morphology, crystallinity, and chemical structure, showing materials with different lengths and diameters, and intermediate crystallinity. The composite films were evaluated by morphological characteristics, water-solubility, water vapor permeability, chemical structure, mechanical properties, and sorption isotherms. Generally, fibers reinforcement decreased moisture adsorption. The tensile strength and Young's modulus increased adding straw fiber (5 g 100 g−1 and 10 g 100 g−1) and stalk and cob fibers (5 g 100 g−1). The use of cellulose fibers in films is important to expand and improve the current lack of biodegradable packaging.

Preparation and characterization of edible films from starch nanoparticles and chitosan

This study aimed to investigate the properties of edible films derived from the biocomposites of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) and chitosan. Chitosan was prepared in concentrations of 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 wt%. The SNPs and film properties were investigated. The functional group of SNPs and chitosan as the edible film was evaluated. Then, the morphological structure, mechanical properties, thermal behavior and contact angles of the obtained films were also investigated. The data were subjected to a general linear model, and analysis of variance was carried out by using the SPSS version 23 software. The results from the research demonstrated that the solubility in water and the degree of swelling increased after the utilization of SNPs. Additionally, there was less tensile strength and higher elongation after the use of SNPs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis exhibited a smoother surface, and there was no formation of cracks when the starch transformed into nanoparticles. However, the addition of chitosan in SNPGC resulted in a grainy structure with irregularity on the surface of the films. Chitosan enhanced the degree of contact angles to 70.65 ± 2.90°, indicating an increase in the hydrophobicity of the films. This research suggested that the biocomposite films derived from SNPs–chitosan showed better performance.

Influence of clove essential oil immobilized in mesoporous silica nanoparticles on the functional properties of poly(lactic acid) biocomposite food packaging film

Clove essential oil (CEO) was immobilized in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) (0, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) and incorporated into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix via a casting method. The functional properties including mechanical property, thermal property, antimicrobial property, and CEO release behavior of the PLA nanocomposite film were investigated. The compatibility of CEO-loading MSN with PLA was verified by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The tensile strength, tensile module, and glass transition temperature of the MSN/CEO/PLA composite film was improved with the increase in MSN content. The release study indicated that the MSN/CEO/PLA composite films exhibited sustained release profile of CEO. The MSN/CEO/PLA films demonstrated efficient antimicrobial activity. The results indicated that CEO immobilized MSN incorporated PLA nanocomposite film showed promising features for active food packaging material.

Properties of Biocomposite Films From PLA and Thermally Treated Wood Modified with Silver Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extracts of Oriental Sweetgum

The technological, thermal, and antimicrobial properties of biocomposite films produced from polylactic acid (PLA) and thermally treated wood flour with in situ generated nanosilver particles (AgNPs) using a bio-reduction method. The extracts of fresh leaves of the phenolic-rich Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) tree were used as the reducing agent for silver ions. Six different formulations of the mixed raw materials were extruded in the co-rotating twin screw extruder. The PLA bicomposite films at the 5 and 10 wt% loading levels of wood flour were produced by a hot press method from the following six formulations: (a) thermally treated wood + leaf extract + AgNO3, (b) untreated wood + leaf extract + AgNO3, (c) thermally treated wood + AgNO3, (d) untreated wood + AgNO3, (e) thermally treated wood, (f) untreated wood, and (g) neat PLA. All biocomposite films produced with the untreated/treated wood flour at 5 and 10 wt% loading levels of wood flour showed better tensile modulus than the neat PLA specimens. In general, the tensile strength of the biocomposites was negatively affected by the increased content of the wood flour. The spectra obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed the silver nanoparticles in the wood particles. The results showed that the biocomposite films produced with PLA and wood flour modified using silver nitrate and leaf extract had the highest tensile modulus. It was observed that the leaf extract treatment had a positive effect on the tensile properties of the biocomposite films at 10 wt% content of wood flour. The remarkable antimicrobial results was obtained by the prepared biocomposites treated with gram positive and gram negative clinical pathogens at maximum zone of clearance 2.6 mm treated with E. coli bacteria.

Cellulose Nanocrystals and Corn Zein Oxygen and Water Vapor Barrier Biocomposite Films.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are well-suited to the preparation of biocomposite films and packaging material due to its abundance, renewability, biodegradability, and favorable film-forming capacity. In this study, different CNC and corn zein (CZ) composite films were prepared by adding CZ to the CNC suspension prior to drying, in order to change internal structure of resulting films. Films were developed to examine their performance as an alternative water vapor and oxygen-barrier for flexible packaging industry. Water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the biocomposite films decreased significantly in a specific ratio between CNC and CZ combined with 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), a nontoxic cross linker. In addition to the improved barrier properties, the incorporation of CZ benefitted the flexibility and thermal stability of the CNC/CZ composite films. The toughness increased by 358%, and Young’s modulus decreased by 32% compared with the pristine CNC film. The maximum degradation temperature increased by 26 °C, compared with that of CNC film. These results can be attributed to the incorporation of a hydrophobic protein into the matrix creating hydrophobic interactions among the biocomposite components. SEM and AFM analysis indicated that CZ could significantly affect the CNC arrangement, and the film surface topography, due to the mechanical bundling and physical adsorption effect of CZ to CNC. The presented results indicate that CNC/CZ biocomposite films may find applications in packaging, and in multi-functionalization materials.

Demonstrating an ideal compostable plastic using biodegradability kinetics of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based green biocomposite films under aerobic composting conditions

This study demonstrates the kinetics of aerobic biodegradation of melt-extruded poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based biocomposite films by online monitoring of CO2 using gas chromatography technique following ASTM International D 5338–15 protocol. Biodegradation studies of PLA and its biocomposites were carried out in the presence of compost microbes, without the addition of any external inoculum. The first-order kinetics model was modified by incorporating a linear lag phase for each test sample. Bacterial identification by 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed Bacillus flexus as one of the microbes responsible for biodegradation of the exposed films at thermophilic temperatures. Neat PLA (NPLA) and PLA/Chitosan composite films were found to evolve high amounts of C–CO2 (carbon-to-carbon dioxide). C–CO2 conversion was found to be very low in PLA/cellulose nanocrystals and PLA/gum arabic biocomposites, expressing the presence of only 4% and 6% slowly hydrolysable carbon, respectively, as compared to NPLA and PLA/chitosan samples. The CCO2 evolution rate was the highest for PLA/chitosan sample at 1.13 day−1. Experimental data of all the test samples showed a good fit (R2 ~ 99.99) with the kinetic model. Morphological analysis by FESEM confirmed the erosion of polymer during composting.

Development and Analysis of Silver Nano Particle Influenced PVA/Natural Particulate Hybrid Composites with Thermo-Mechanical Properties

Owing to develop the utilization of biowaste materials and minimize the usage of plastic materials, Orange peel Powder (OPP) biowaste is chosen as filler material along with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as a matrix to form biocomposite films. To stretch its applications to antibacterial applications the metal nanoparticles were incorporated by the in-situ generation of Ag by reducing the various concentration of the aqueous solution of AgNO3 to fabricate novel PVA/OPP/(1 mM to 5 mM)AgNPs hybrid biocomposite films. The fabricated biofilms were undergone the antibacterial test, mechanical test, and characterized by FESEM, FTIR, XRD & thermal analysis. The FESEM images clarify the homogenous distribution of filler materials in the PVA matrix and binding between the filler materials & matrices. FT-IR spectrum illustrates, there is no functional group change in the films by the inclusion of AgNPs as compare to the PVA/OPP films and indicates the strong adhesion and well dispersion of filler materials. XRD patterns confirm the presence of Ag and accentuated the crystallite size of generated AgNPs in the films as 23.44 nm, 25.59 nm, 26.25 nm, 28.17 nm, and 28.42 nm. Thermal analysis of the films shows improved thermal stability as well as glass transition temperature of the composite films included with AgNPs, also the considerable increase in the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the PVA/OPP/AgNPs films as compared to the neat PVA, PVA/OPP films. As compare to neat PVA and PVA/OPP films, with the increase of concentration of AgNO3 source solution antibacterial activity of the PVA/OPP/AgNPs films increases against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. With the above-improved results by the inclusion of Ag nanoparticles, this hybrid biocomposite films can be utilized in food processing industries

Influence of the lemongrass powder and polybutylene succinate on the properties of biocomposite films based on poly (lactic acid)

The purpose of this research was to develop biocomposite films based on Poly (lactic acid); PLA, Polybutylene succinate; PBS and lemongrass powder; LE as a natural filler by twin-screw extruder and blow film extruder. The aim was to study the influences of LE and PBS on the physical and mechanical properties of biocomposite films. This work varied the weight percentage of PBS at 0, 10, and 20 wt% and varied the content of LE at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 wt%. The biocomposite films were characterized for physical properties (Color parameter and %UV transmittance), chemical properties (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy; FT-IR), mechanical properties (Tensile test), aging test at room temperature, and field testing. The mechanical properties of biocomposite films showed the addition of PBS into the PLA matrix increased the tensile strength and %elongation of biocomposite films by ~ 2–7 MPa and 1–2%, respectively. However, when increasing the amount of LE, the tensile strength and %elongation decreased. The color of the biocomposite films with the lemongrass powder gives a yellow-green shade, while ΔE of biocomposite film increases with a higher content of LE. The addition of LE improved the UV-light resistance properties of biocomposite film which is beneficial as a low %UV transmittance is important to prevent weeds growth. The %UV transmission of biocomposite films was reduced with increasing percentage of LE. Moreover, the biocomposite films after aging found that the color parameter and %UV transmittance only degraded less than 5%. This work, therefore, can be applied to agricultural products such as mulch film, while being biodegradable which could significantly reduce the agriculture plastic waste.

Microstructural and Finite Element Analysis - Assisted Nanomechanical Characterization of Maize Starch Nanocomposite Films

Biocomposite films were prepared using normal maize starch plasticized with glycerol and water and sodium montmorillonite clay particles employing the solution mixing procedure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), three-dimensional profilometry and tensile along with nanoindentation tests assisted with a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were used for the assessment of starch-based films with various percentages of nanoclay particles. XRD analysis revealed intercalation of the test specimens while their morphology was ascertained using SEM/EDX. The FEA results were compared with the experimental measurements from nanoindentation and tensile tests. A satisfactory correlation was obtained between the experimental measurements and the computational models, demonstrating FEA-assisted nanoindentation as a useful technique for assessment, showing the effect of the different nanoclay concentrations on the mechanical properties.

Вольтамперометричний біензимний сенсор для визначення сахарози в меді

An electrochemical sensor based on nanostructured planar carbon electrodes (nanoSPCE) modified with a SiO2 biocomposite film containing MnO2 particles and enzymes glucose oxidase and invertase was developed. MnO2 particles obtained by electrochemical deposition possessed electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen peroxide. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and invertase (Inv) were encapsulated into SiO2 film by method of electroassisted deposition. The electrode modified with biocomposite film nanoSPCE/MnO2/GoX/Inv/SiO2 was electroactive toward sucrose. The indicator reaction was oxidation of H2O2 – the product of bienzymatic reaction which was catalyzed by MnO2 on the electrode surface. The linearity range of the calibration graph for the voltametric determination of sucrose using developed modified electrode is 0.017-0.342 mg/ml, the detection limit is 0.006 mg/ml. The obtained nanoSPCE/MnO2/GoX/Inv/SiO2 electrode demonstrated satisfactory stability of the analytical signal during one month of operation. The developed method was used for sucrose determination in the honey samples. The 50-fold molar excess of glucose and fructose does not interfere the determination of sucrose.

Tensile Strength and Moisture Resistance Properties of Biocomposite Films Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) with Cellulose as Reinforcement from Durian Peel Fibers

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) based biocomposite film with cellulose was successfully fabricated by the solution casting method. The cellulose fibers were obtained by extraction of durian peel using alkalization and bleaching treatments. These treated cellulose fibers were used for the fabrication of PVA-based biocomposites. The durian peel cellulose fibers were varied by 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% in the PVA matrix. Tensile test and moisture resistance of biocomposites were evaluated. The 6% addition of cellulose fibers in biocomposites increases the tensile strength up to 54% (37 MPa) than pure PVA film (24 MPa). Conversely, it reduces the elongation at break of the biocomposite film. Meanwhile, the moisture resistance properties of the biocomposites increased with the addition of cellulose fibers. The tensile strength and moisture resistance of biocomposites have been increased due to the homogeneous dispersion of the cellulose fibers and PVA matrix. These biocomposites able to reduce the environmental impacts by utilizing residual lignocellulosic biomass.

Effect of drying temperature and addition of plasticizer & cross-linker on the properties and stability of corn starch/polyvinyl alcohol/rice husk based bio-composite films

Abstract Corn starch (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/rice husk (RH) based bio-composite films were prepared by adding fructose (F) and citric acid (CA) as a plasticizer and cross-linking agent, respectively. The influence of drying temperature, plasticizer, and cross-linker on the film properties (physical) was investigated. The mechanical properties (tensile strength (TS) & elongation at break (E)) along with degree of swelling (DS), solubility (S), and water vapor permeability (WVP) of CS/PVA/RH blend films were examined with and without adding the plasticizer F and cross-linker CA. At all measurement’s conditions, the films having CA show better physical properties than the film containing F alone. In the presence of CA, the hydrogen bonding between a hydroxyl group and the carboxyl group enhances inter-intra-molecular interaction among CS, PVA, and RH. With the addition of plasticizer (F); % E, S, WVP of CS/PVA/RH bio-composite films were increased as compared to corresponding cross-linker (CA) incorporated films. However, there was a decrease in TS and DS. Moreover, drying the film at low temperature shows clear improvement in the film properties due to activation of hydrogen bonding at low temperature.

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Flexible Poly(L-lactide)-b-polyethylene Glycol-b-poly(L-lactide)/Microcrystalline Cellulose Biocomposites

In this work, flexible biocomposites were prepared through melt blending using flexible poly(L-lactide)- b-polyethylene glycol-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) as a matrix and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a filler. The effects of the addition of MCC on the thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of PLLA-PEG-PLLA/MCC biocomposites were investigated compared to PLLA/MCC biocomposites. Thermal stability of both PLLA and PLLA-PEG-PLLA from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was improved by MCC blending. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the biocomposites exhibited good phase compatibility between PLLA-PEG-PLLA matrix-MCC filler. From tensile tests, the stress and strain at break of the PLLA/MCC and PLLA-PEG-PLLA/MCC biocomposite films decreased while the Young’s modulus increased as the MCC content increased. The strain at break of PLLA-based and PLLA-PEG-PLLA based biocomposite films containing 20 wt.% MCC were 2% and 162%, respectively. Thus, the PLLA-PEG-PLLA/MCC biocomposites have potential to be used as flexible bioplastics for packaging applications.

Characterization of Lignocellulosic Fibers Reinforced with Poly(vinyl alcohol)

The demands for materials made of plastics are rapidly increasing, especially in food packaging application. Recently, attention has been drawn to the use of bio-reinforced composites in packaging, automotive, medical and construction applications due to increased concern for environmental sustainability. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films reinforced with crystals (unbleached) prepared by solution casting method possessed significantly improved properties compared to film reinforced with cellulose (bleached). From the results, PVA films with the addition of 4% (w/w) of crystalline cellulose exhibited best combination of properties. In addition to good mechanical properties, this composite has good water resistance and biodegradability. The water absorption of biocomposite was found to be 22.63%. From X - ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, diffraction peaks of biocomposite was observed at 2θ = 22.4384. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis it was found that fractures at surfaces of biocomposite film were smooth and even without any porosity and uniform dispersion of jute crystals in the matrix.

Characterization of Lignocellulosic Fibers Reinforced with Poly(vinyl alcohol)

The demands for materials made of plastics are rapidly increasing, especially in food packaging application. Recently, attention has been drawn to the use of bio-reinforced composites in packaging, automotive, medical and construction applications due to increased concern for environmental sustainability. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films reinforced with crystals (unbleached) prepared by solution casting method possessed significantly improved properties compared to film reinforced with cellulose (bleached). From the results, PVA films with the addition of 4% (w/w) of crystalline cellulose exhibited best combination of properties. In addition to good mechanical properties, this composite has good water resistance and biodegradability. The water absorption of biocomposite was found to be 22.63%. From X - ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, diffraction peaks of biocomposite was observed at 2θ = 22.4384. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis it was found that fractures at surfaces of biocomposite film were smooth and even without any porosity and uniform dispersion of jute crystals in the matrix.

Exploration of cassava clones for the development of biocomposite films

<abstract> <p>Due to the growing interest in developing bioplastic films from renewable sources, the performance of biocomposite films produced of native starch from cassava clones reinforced with cassava bagasse was explored. The biocomposites were prepared from the starch of cassava clones MMEXV5, MMEXV40, and MMEXCH23, reinforced with bagasse at 1%, 5%, and 15%. Their structural, mechanical, and thermal properties were subsequently assessed. When analyzing the starch, differences in the intensities of the Raman spectra exhibit a possible variation in the amylose-amylopectin ratio. In the biocomposites, the bagasse was efficiently incorporated into polymeric matrixes and their thermogravimetric analysis revealed the compatibility of the matrix-reinforcement. The starch films from the MMEXV40 clone showed better tension (2.53 MPa) and elastic modulus (60.49 MPa). The assessed mechanical properties were also affected by bagasse concentration. Because of the above, the MMEXV40 cassava clone showed potential to develop polymeric materials, given its tuberous roots high yield, starch extraction, and good performance in its mechanical properties. At the same time, the starch source (clone) and the bagasse concentration interfere with the final properties of the biocomposites.</p> </abstract>

Antimicrobial activity, physical, mechanical and barrier properties of sugar palm based nanocellulose/starch biocomposite films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil

The demand of antimicrobial active packaging is escalating due to the needs of improving quality and shelf life of food. In this work, sugar palm starch (SPS)/sugar palm nanocrystalline cellulose (SPNCC) incorporated with cinnamon essential oil (EO) biodegradable nanocomposite films were prepared by using solvent casting method. Mechanical properties test revealed that films incorporated with cinnamon EO showed improved tensile strength and tensile modulus values from 4.8 to 5.3 MPa and 122.49–130.52 MPa respectively. Additionally, the density and moisture content were reduced from 1.38 to 1.31 g/cm3 and from 13.65 to 12.33% respectively. The antimicrobial test was carried out by agar disc method (ADM) to evaluate the inhibition effect of the films on the gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria and yeast. The result suggested that The higher the amount of EO used (2.0 wt) yielded, the higher the inhibition zone occurred for B. subtilis, S. aereus and E. coli, which were 7.85, 6.63, and 7.43 mm respectively. Overall, cinnamon EO incorporated SPS/SPNCC biodegradable nanocomposite film is a good candidate as an alternative for active packaging material.

Polyvinyl Alcohol-Corn Starch-Lemon Peel Biocomposite Films as Potential Food Packaging

Polyvinyl Alcohol-Corn Starch-Lemon Peel Biocomposite Films as Potential Food Packaging

Sugarcane bagasse derived nanocellulose reinforced with frankincense (Boswellia serrata): Physicochemical properties, biodegradability and antimicrobial effect for controlling microbial growth for food packaging application

Bioplastics are startlingly growing in a rapid rate in the field of packaging to introduce newer high-end green materials. Nanocellulose is biodegradable, bio-based and can be effectively utilized for developing novel bioplastics using plasticizers and fillers. Triethylcitrate is used in the present study because of its non-toxic nature and better flowability of the suspension for solvent casting. The incorporation of some active filler can contribute to better bioplastics with improved properties. Frankincense is a natural substance extracted from Boswellia serrata tree that possesses numerous beneficial properties to be applicable as packaging materials. The biocomposite thin films were characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM and investigated the physical properties, soil burial degradability, antibacterial and antifungal properties. This study revealed the possibility of developing new biodegradable plastics with high shelf life for food packaging applications due to their predominant antibacterial and antifungal properties. • Nanocellulose thin films are developed from agrowaste using antibacterial agents. • The biobased films enhanced antibacterial and antifungal properties. • Incorporation of new filler improved physical properties and shelf life. • Unbolt new design possibilities for better bioplastics. • Frankincense incorporated nanocellulose film suitable for packaging application.