Cellulose Nanocomposite Films Research Articles

Zinc/aluminum-layered double hydroxide-gallic acid doped carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite films for wound healing

Effective loading and delivering the wound healing-based materials to the wound site and area with an optimum concentration and limited cytotoxicity are essential for a complete and fast healing process. Here, we have designed Zn/Al-LDH nanoparticles-loaded CMC films for encapsulation and delivery of gallic acid (GA) in order to develop an effective and efficient wound-healing scaffold. The physicochemical properties of the prepared Zn/Al-LDH nanohybrids were thoroughly characterized by several characterization techniques, such as FESEM, Hi-TEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques. The thermal properties of the scaffolds were evaluated by DSC and TGA analysis. The release profiles of GA from fabricated films were studied over 8 h by UV–vis spectroscopy. In vitro drug release studies in PBS solutions with pH 7.4 showed a mono-phasic profile in which the liberation of the drug mainly occurred by scaffold erosion and increased by increasing the experiment period. The in vitro antibacterial activity of Zn/Al-LDH-GA-loaded CMC films was assessed by disk diffusion and cell viability contact tests. The results showed the desired antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Incorporating GA within CMC and CMC-Zn/Al-LDH films rereleased good cytocompatibility at the studied incubation time and different concentrations toward human normal HFF cell line than the free drug. The results of the present study indicated that the Zn/Al-LDH and Zn/Al-LDH-GA-loaded CMC have promising wound healing features to further develop a better future for clinical remedy of the different non-healing and hard-to-heal wounds.

Construction of a sustainable and hydrophobic high-performance all-green pineapple peel cellulose nanocomposite film for food packaging

The increasing global awareness of environmental issues has led to a growing interest in research on cellulose-based film. However, several limitations hinder their development and industrial application, such as hydrophilicity, inadequate mechanical properties and barrier properties, and a lack of activity. This study aimed to create a sustainable and hydrophobic high-performance all-green pineapple peel cellulose nanocomposite film for food packaging by incorporating natural carnauba wax and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) into a pineapple peel cellulose matrix. The results showed that adding carnauba wax to the cellulose matrix converted the surface wettability of the cellulose-based film from hydrophilic to hydrophobic (water contact angle over 100). Additionally, the film exhibited ultraviolet resistance and antioxidation properties. The incorporation of CNF further improved the barrier properties, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the cellulose nanocomposite film. In applied experiments, the cellulose nanocomposite film delayed post-harvest deterioration and maintained storage quality of cherry tomatoes. Importantly, the cellulose nanocomposite film could be degraded in soil within 30 days. It can be concluded that the cellulose nanocomposite film has great potential to alleviate the environmental problems and human health problems caused by non-degradable petroleum-based plastic packaging.

Sodium alginate/Hydroxyapatite/nanocellulose composites: Synthesis and Potentials for bone tissue engineering

Sodium alginate/hydroxyapatite/Nano cellulose (SA/HA/NC) nanocomposite films that possess good biocompatibility for bone tissue engineering are prepared by a simple solution casting. HA is one of the most frequently used bioceramic materials to achieve a high biocompatibility. The bionanocomposite films are analysed by XRD, SEM, EDAX and FTIR studies. XRD confirms the existence of fillers in the polymer. FTIR spectrum shows the different functional modes in the bionanocomposite films. The morphology of fillers and bionanocomposite films are obtained through SEM. The inclusion of NC with different concentrations into the biopolymer film improves the tensile strength. As a result, the loading of 5 wt % of NC and 10 wt% of HA in the SA polymer shows high tensile strength when compared to the pure SA, SA filled with 10 wt% of HA and SA loaded with 10 wt% of HA and inclusion of NC (0.5 and 2.5 wt%). The tensile strength (TS) of bionanocomposite film with 10 wt % of HA is increased by 17%. TS of bionanocomposite film with 0.5 and 2.5 wt% of NC is increased by 177 and 277%, whereas TS of bionanocomposite film loaded 5 wt% of NC is increased by 331%. The swelling, biodegradation and biomineralization tests suggest that this bionanocomposite films are hopeful biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.

Carboxymethyl cellulose membranes blended with carbon nanotubes/Ag nanoparticles for eco-friendly safer lithium-ion batteries

This paper aimed to construct carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomposite films incorporated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by an eco-friendly approach and compared their alternative properties with the pure CMC film. The novelty in this article is the investigation of the dielectric properties of CMC/CNT/Ag, the enhancement of the CMC solubility by citric acid, and the preparation of Ag NPs in a domestic microwave. Treatment of the CMC/CNT/Ag films with citric acid decreased the water solubility and water adsorption by 13.7–83 % and 6–14.3 %, respectively, while enhancing the tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) by 4–5 % and 81–115 %, respectively, compared to the pristine CMC film. In addition, the pore size and surface area of the prepared films increased due to the incorporation of CNTs. Adding 10 and 20 wt% CNTs and Ag NPs to the treated films decreased the water solubility and adsorption, increasing tensile properties and electrical conductivity. The addition of different concentrations of CNT/Ag to the membrane led to variations in the membrane's electrical properties. CNTs and Ag NPs might be alternatives to nano-fillers for improving the CMC film properties. These CNT/Ag and CMC films could be used as alternative materials in eco-friendly safer lithium-ion batteries.

Extraction and characterization of novel cellulose nanocrystals from Artemisia scoparia straw and their application in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) films

Abstract This research study reports on the extraction of nanocellulose followed by structural and thermal analysis and application of nanocellulose in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) nanocomposite films. The cellulose nanocrystals were isolated from Artemisia scoparia straw through an alkaline treatment and bleaching process, followed by sulphuric acid hydrolysis. The HPMC nanocomposite films were prepared by a solution casting method and dried at room temperature. Fourier transform infrared-ray (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques were used to analyze the structural and thermal properties of the materials, including the cellulosic material, the nanomaterial, and the nanocomposites. The FTIR spectra indicated that the extraction procedure was adequate, demonstrating the removal of lignin and hemicellulose and the preparation of nanocellulose. The TGA results revealed the thermal degradation pattern of the cellulose and showed that the HPMC films had enhanced thermal stability. This research demonstrates that A. scoparia straw has potential for the extraction of cellulosic nanomaterial and a wide range of applications in nanocomposites.

Surface Engineering of Regenerated Cellulose Nanocomposite Films with High Strength, Ultraviolet Resistance, and a Hydrophobic Surface

Regenerated cellulose packaging materials can alleviate the environmental pollution and carbon emissions caused by conventional plastics and other chemicals. They require regenerated cellulose films with good barrier properties, such as strong water resistance. Herein, using an environmentally friendly solvent at room temperature, a straightforward procedure for synthesizing these regenerated cellulose (RC) films, with excellent barrier properties and doping with nano-SiO2, is presented. After the surface silanization modification, the obtained nanocomposite films exhibited a hydrophobic surface (HRC), in which the nano-SiO2 provided a high mechanical strength, whereas octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) provided hydrophobic long-chain alkanes. The contents of the nano-SiO2 and the concentrations of the OTS/n-hexane in regenerated cellulose composite films are crucial, as they define its morphological structure, tensile strength, UV-shielding ability, and the other performance of these composite films. When the nano-SiO2 content was 6%, the tensile stress of the composite film (RC6) increased by 41.2%, the maximum tensile stress was 77.22 MPa, and the strain-at-break was 14%. Meanwhile, the HRC films had more superior multifunctional integrations of tensile strength (73.91 MPa), hydrophobicity (HRC WCA = 143.8°), UV resistance (>95%), and oxygen barrier properties (5.41 × 10-11 mL·cm/m2·s·Pa) than the previously reported regenerated cellulose films in packaging materials. Moreover, the modified regenerated cellulose films could biodegrade entirely in soil. These results provide an experimental basis for preparing regenerated-cellulose-based nanocomposite films that exhibit a high performance in packaging applications.

Ionic Liquid/ZnO Assisted Preparation of High Barrier Cellulose Nanocomposite Films by In Situ Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactide Monomers

Cellulose-based composites have aroused increasing interest as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based plastics. In this work, transparent cellulose-grafted-PLA nanocomposite films were prepared by grafting polylactide (PLA) onto cellulose. PLA was synthesized by in situ ring opening polymerization from a regenerated cellulose matrix, using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimAc) as solvent. A facile route was devised to modify the starting material (cellulose paper) by partial dissolution and regeneration that used an ionic liquid (IL) as a smart nanowelding agent to assemble nanometric cellulose structures. The influence of the proportion of ZnONPs (1–5 wt%) and textit{L}-lactide (LA) monomers (10–70 wt%) used on the properties of the resulting nanocomposite films was examined by comparison with an all-cellulose composite (ACC) and pure cellulose paper. Incorporating ZnONPs and PLA was found to enhance the mechanical, barrier and optical properties of the films. The maximum tensile strength and best barrier properties were those of a film obtained from 5%ZnONPs and 70%LA. FTIR spectra confirmed a new form of interaction between PLA and the regenerated cellulose matrix. Also, XRD spectra revealed a transition from cellulose I to II and an increase in the proportion of noncrystalline cellulose through partial dissolution and regeneration. Although the surface morphology of the nanocomposite films was influenced by the presence of ZnONPs and PLA chains, their color and chemical structure were not. The transparent cellulose-grafted-PLA nanocomposite films obtained are highly promising as packaging materials.

Macroscopic mapping of the linear in-plane anisotropy of nanocellulosic thin films by Mueller matrix polarimetry

The present work focuses on the characterization of the macroscopic optical anisotropy of cellulose nanocomposite multilayer thin films prepared by grazing incidence spraying. The polarization properties of such films composed of in-plane aligned cellulose nanofibrils embedded in a polyelectrolyte multilayer are investigated by Mueller matrix polarimetry (MMP). Linear birefringence is the predominant polarization property resulting from the unidirectional organization of the cellulose nanofibrils, thus, the differential decomposition of the Mueller matrix measured on the films allows the determination of their actual structural birefringence, ⟨Δn⟩=0.032. Moreover, modeling the sample as an effective medium provides a parametrized expression that describes its linear birefringence as a function of the optical constants of the components, the volume fraction of nanofibrils, the distribution of orientation, and the film thickness. Therefore, MMP provides a fast, simple, and non-destructive method to characterize both the structural characteristics and the optical birefringence/dichroism of the films over large areas, which is of great interest for various optoelectronic applications.

Realization of water resistant, durable and self-cleaning on oriented cellulose nanocomposite packaging films

Realization of water resistant, durable and self-cleaning on oriented cellulose nanocomposite packaging films

In situ green synthesis of cellulose nanocomposite films incorporated with silver/silver chloride particles: characterization and antibacterial performance

In situ green synthesis of cellulose nanocomposite films incorporated with silver/silver chloride particles: characterization and antibacterial performance

Degradation of Methyl Orange by Bismuth Ferrite Incorporated Regenerated Cellulose Nanocomposite Films as a Photocatalyst

Degradation of Methyl Orange by Bismuth Ferrite Incorporated Regenerated Cellulose Nanocomposite Films as a Photocatalyst

Antibacterial activity in gelatin-bacterial cellulose composite film by thermally crosslinking with cinnamaldehyde towards food packaging application

Fabrication of an antibacterial gelatin-bacterial cellulose nanocomposite (GCB) film was achieved using cinnamaldehyde as a crosslinker and an antibacterial additive in order to improve the structural stability of gelatin in water and promote the antibacterial activity of both gelatin and bacterial cellulose (BC). The reaction of amine groups of gelatin with the aldehyde group of cinnamaldehyde through Schiff’s base and Michael’s addition reactions were accelerated by the heat treatment at 120 °C for 3 h resulting in the reduction of the water solubility of the GCB films. The supplementation of BC into gelatin enhanced tensile strength of the composite films and decreased water vapor permeability of the composite films. The GCB films showed non-toxicity against L929 cells and strong antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria suggesting the potential application as an antibacterial food packaging.

Polylactic Acid Cellulose Nanocomposite Films Comprised of Wood and Tunicate CNCs Modified with Tannic Acid and Octadecylamine.

Herein, a one-pot strategy was used to prepare hydrophobic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) surface-modified with tannic acid and octadecylamine. By this strategy, CNCs derived from wood (W-CNC) and tunicates (T-CNC) were modified in situ and incorporated into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix using two methods, without first drying the CNCs. Films of PLA-CNC nanocomposites were prepared both by solution casting and by wet compounding in a thermo-kinetic mixer, followed by melt extrusion. Various properties of these PLA nanocomposites were evaluated herein, along with an assessment of how these properties vary with the type of CNC reinforcement. Cast films with a hybrid mixture of wood and tunicate CNCs displayed improved mechanical properties compared to either wood or tunicate CNCs, but extruded films did not show this hybrid effect. The water vapor permeability of the extruded nanocomposite films with 1% CNCs was reduced by as much as 60% compared to the PLA films. The composite films also showed enhanced biodegradation compared to neat PLA films. These results demonstrate that wet compounded PLA composites produced with wood or tunicate CNCs modified using a one-pot, water-based route have improved barrier and biodegradation properties, indicating a potential for packaging applications without having to dry the CNCs.

Impact of some mineral-based nanoparticles versus carbon nanoallotropes on properties of liquid crystal hydroxypropyl cellulose nanocomposite films

PurposeThis study aims to motivate the application of some low-cost minerals in synthesizing nanoparticles as effective additives on the performance of liquid crystal (LC) hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) nanocomposite film, in comparison with carbon nanoallotrope.Design/methodology/approachMetallic nanoparticles of vanadium oxide, montmorillonite (MMT) and bentonite were synthesized and characterized by different techniques (Transmission electron microscopy [TEM], X-ray diffraction [XRD] and Fourier transform infrared [FTIR]). While the XRD, FTIR, non-isothermal analysis thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscope and polarizing microscope were techniques used to evaluate the key role of metallic nanoparticles on the performance of HPC-nanocomposite film.FindingsThe formation of nanoparticles was evidenced from TEM. The XRD and FTIR measurements of nanocomposite films revealed that incorporating the mineral nanoparticles led to enhance the HPCs crystallinity from 14% to 45%, without chemical change of HPC structure. It is interesting to note that these minerals provide higher improvement in crystallinity than carbon nanomaterials (28%). Moreover, the MMT provided film with superior thermal stability and mechanical properties than pure HPC and HPC containing carbon nanoparticles, where it increased the Ea from 583.6 kJ/mol to 669.3 kJ/mol, tensile strength from 2.25 MPa to 2.8 MPa, Young’s modulus from 119 MPa to 124 MPa. As well as it had a synergistic effect on the LC formation and the birefringence texture of the nanocomposites (chiral nematic).Research limitations/implicationsHydroxylpropyl cellulose-nanocomposite films were prepared by dissolving the HPC powder in water to prepare 50% concentration, (free or with incorporating 5% synthesized nanoparticles). To obtain films with uniform thickness, the prepared solutions were evenly spread on a glass plate via an applicator, by adjusting the thickness to 0.2 mm, then air dried.Practical implicationsThese minerals provide higher improvement in crystallinity than carbon nanomaterials (28%), moreover, the MMT and bentonite provided films with superior thermal stability than pure HPC and HPC containing carbon nanoparticles. The mineral nanoparticles (especially MMT nanoclays) had a synergistic effect on LC formation and the birefringence texture of the nanocomposites (chiral nematic).Social implicationsThis study presents the route to enhance the utilization of claystone available in El-Fayoum Province as the precursor for nanoparticles and production high performance LC nanocomposites.Originality/valueThis study presents the route for the valorization of low-cost mineral-based nanoparticles in enhancing the properties of HPC-film (crystallinity, thermal stability, mechanical strength), in comparison with carbon-based nanoparticles. Moreover, these nanoparticles provided more ordered mesophases and, consequently, good synergetic effect on LCs formation and the birefringence texture of the HPC-films.

Facile in situ fabrication of ZnO-embedded cellulose nanocomposite films with antibacterial properties and enhanced mechanical strength via hydrogen bonding interactions

Nano-ZnO were in situ prepared and permanently embedded in regenerated cellulose (RC) films by chemical precipitation to endow antibacterial of films and simultaneously strengthen tensile strength. ZnCl2 was selected as a promoter of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride for cellulose dissolution and as a precursor for nano-ZnO synthesis. Zn2+-absorbed cellulose solution was reacted with NaOH under ultrasonic to obtain nano-ZnO embedded RC films. The results indicated that RC films treated with the longest sonication time, highest regeneration solution basicity, and highest cellulose concentration were demonstrated to be the most effective against S. aureus, which agreed well with the dense and homogeneous distribution of high content of nano-ZnO on the film surface. The nanocomposite films achieved particularly high mechanical strength of 202.0 MPa with improved thermal stability. Strong H-bonding formed between nano-ZnO and cellulose, which contributed to high tensile strength and thermal stability of films. This work affords a simple approach to prepare cellulose nanocomposite with outstanding performance for potential application in packaging.

Ultra-high gas barrier and enhanced mechanical properties of corn cellulose nanocomposite films filled with graphene oxide nanosheets

A facile and environmentally friendly route has been put forward for fabricating regenerated cellulose-based composite films (RC) with graphene oxide addition (GO). Nanocomposite films prepared through the solution blending method of cellulose solutions to a reversible ion solvent system of dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,8-diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec-7-ene, carbon dioxide (DMSO/DBU/CO2) that contained a nano-additive of GO dispersion in DMSO. The results demonstrated that the addition of GO had a significant impact on the structural, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of the films. SEM and XRD results showed that GO was dispersed in cellulose solution uniformly. The evident red-shift of the characteristic functional groups in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra also indicated the interaction between GO and cellulose matrix. With 5 wt % GO, the oxygen permeability coefficient of corn cellulose films decreased from 1.59 × 10−12 cm3 cm cm−2 s−1 Pa−1 to 1.8 × 10−15 cm3 cm cm−2 s−1 Pa−1. Meanwhile, the thermal stability of corn cellulose film improved with the incorporation of GO.

Facile one−step preparation of acetylated cellulose nanocrystals and their reinforcing function in cellulose acetate film with improved interfacial compatibility

A facile one− step method to fabricate acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (ACNCs) was developed by using mixed sulfuric acid and acetic acid hydrolysis. It could be demonstrated that the esterification of surface hydroxyl groups took place simultaneously with hydrolysis of amorphous regions of cellulose, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT − IR) and X − ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. The as − prepared ACNCs exhibited typical rod − like morphology with diameter and length of 12 − 18 and 191 − 234 nm, respectively. All − cellulose nanocomposite films were subsequently produced by introducing ACNCs into cellulose acetate (CA) matrix through solution casting technique. The mechanical performance of nanocomposites was significantly enhanced due to the uniform dispersion of ACNCs and favorable CA − ACNC interface. The results showed that the tensile strength, Young’s modulus and elongation at break of nanocomposite film were increased by 78%, 58% and 68%, respectively, with the introduction of 5% ACNCs. Moreover, the nanocomposite films could retain good optical transparency. These results indicated ACNCs have a great potential to be used as reinforcing filler in polymer matrices for extending their industrial applications.

Antimicrobial Cellulose Nanocomposite Films with In Situ Generations of Bimetallic (Ag and Cu) Nanoparticles Using Vitex negundo Leaves Extract

Antimicrobial cellulose nanocomposite films with in situ synthesized bimetallic nanoparticles were developed by a three-step process. These antimicrobial cellulose nanocomposite films with in situ synthesized bimetallic, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) through the apozem of medicinal important plant Vitex negundo (Vavili) leaves, and which is acts as a bio-reductant and stabilizing agent. Through a three-step process, the cellulose films were prepared via a solution casting method and loaded with the apozem of V. negundo (Vavili) leaves via the swelling process. The resulted nanocomposite films were characterized by XRD, UV, FTIR, SEM/EDAX, TGA, UTM and antibacterial measurements. The XRD studies confirm that the presence of AgNPs and CuNPs in the cellulose matrix. The formation Ag/Cu, bimetallic nanoparticles were observed by the change of the color of the cellulose films. The presence of UV absorption peaks at around ~ 415 (Ag) and ~ 570 nm (Cu) confirms the formation of bimetallic cellulose nanocomposite films. The SEM and EDAX spectrum confirmed the presence of Ag, Cu, and Ag/Cu elements. The average size of the Ag–Cu, Ag, and Cu nanoparticles generated were ~ 60, ~ 67, and ~ 74 nm, respectively. The UTM and TGA studies revealed that bimetallic nanocomposites have high strength and stability than monometallic nanocomposite films. The nanocomposites have shown good antibacterial activities towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. These cellulose nanocomposite films stand as good candidature for food, medical, and disinfection packaging materials.

Characterization, Thermal and Antimicrobial Properties of Hybrid Cellulose Nanocomposite Films with in-Situ Generated Copper Nanoparticles in Tamarindus indica Nut Powder

Hybrid cellulose nanocomposite films (HCNFs) were fabricated using cellulose from cotton linters as the matrix, and varying loadings (5 to 25wt.%) of modified tamarind nut power (TNP) with in situ generated copper nanoparticles as the reinforcing fillers. These hybrid composite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and antibacterial tests. The inclusion of modified tamarind nut powder improved the crystallinity of the hybrid nanocomposites by 13%. From the FTIR analysis, it could be ascertained that there was no notable change in the chemical composition of the matrix with the amendment of the filler. Further, the shift in peak intensity with increasing concentration of the filler shows the formation of hydrogen bond between the filler and the matrix. The TGA analysis revealed that the degradation temperature of hybrid nanocomposites increased until HCNFs with 15wt.% modified tamarind nut powder. The hybrid nanocomposites exhibited better antibacterial properties against all the pathogens used in the study. These hybrid nanocomposites were found to have superior antibacterial activity, thermal resistance, and improvement in crystallinity. Thus, these bio-based materials can be used to replace the existing packaging materials in the food packaging and help to reduce the impact of conventional plastics on the environment.

Dual Antioxidant Properties and Organic Radical Stabilization in Cellulose Nanocomposite Films Functionalized by In Situ Polymerization of Coniferyl Alcohol.

A new biobased material based on an original strategy using lignin model compounds as natural grafting additive on a nanocellulose surface through in situ polymerization of coniferyl alcohol by the Fenton reaction at two pH values was investigated. The structural and morphological properties of the materials at the nanoscale were characterized by a combination of analytical methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, nuclear molecular resonance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, water sorption capacity by dynamic vapor sorption, and atomic force microscopy (topography and indentation modulus measurements). Finally, the usage properties, such as antioxidant properties, were evaluated in solution and the nanostructured casted films by radical 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging tests. We demonstrate the structure-function relationships of these advanced CNC-lignin films and describe their dual functionalities and characteristics, namely, their antioxidant properties and the presence of persistent phenoxy radicals within the material.