A comparative study on characteristics of nanocellulose reinforced thermoplastic starch biofilms prepared with different techniques

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) obtained from kenaf bast were used to produce biofilms. CNFs were isolated by mechanical defibrillation of purified fibers. Three different casting techniques were chosen for material processing while material ratio, processing time and temperature were kept constant. The effects of casting technique on the morphology, mechanical properties and water sensitivity of the films were investigated by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), tensile and water uptake experiments. Obtained results indicated interesting differences in properties of biofilms and highlighted the importance of casting technique on the final performance of materials.