Preparation of Cellulose Nanocrystals Biofilm from Coconut Coir as an Alternative Source of Food Packaging Material
Md. Hafizul Islam, Mosummath Hosna Ara, Mubarak A. Khan, Jannatul Naime, Md. Abu Rayhan Khan, L. Rahman, Tania Akter Ruhane
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The current perspective emphasizes on the synthesis of a biofilm from cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) of coconut coir for the development of sustainable packaging materials as an alternative source of plastic. The biofilm was prepared by a solvent-casting method and investigated by various analytical techniques. Of them, surface morphology was observed by SEM, suggesting a crystalline rod shape with particle size of 104–318 nm and diameter of 15–70 nm. However, CNC was incorporated with starch at various ratios ranging from 10:0 to 1:9; the ratio 6:4 of CNC and the binder maximized the mechanical properties of the polymer. In the presence of a plasticizer and a cross-linker, the film possessed high tensile strength (38.4 ± 1.57 MPa) and elongation (8.2 ± 0.39%) compared to commercially available polyethylene (9.84 ± 0.32 MPa and 23 ± 0.74%). The biofilm possessed a great extent of cross-link structure, divulging through the change of contact angle (92°), surface morphology (rough surface), crystallinity (45.36%), water vapor transmission rate (427 g/m 2 /day), and thermal stability from 232 to 258 °C. The degree of deterioration was assessed by the soil burial test (30–45 days), highlighting the environmental compatibility of the film.