κ-Carrageenan-based bio-nanocomposite film reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals derived from amla pomace for food packaging

This work reports for the first time the development and characterization of kappa-carrageenan-based bio-nanocomposite films incorporated with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) derived from Indian gooseberry pomace, a major waste from fruits and vegetables processing industry. The CNCs were incorporated in different proportions, viz., 1, 3, 5, and 7%, and solution casting method was used to prepare the films. The effect of CNC loading on the structural, morphological, mechanical, and barrier properties was evaluated. Compared with the control films, CNC-reinforced bio-nanocomposite films showed better barrier and mechanical properties. After 5% CNC loading, water vapor permeability of the films decreased from 3.21 to 2.36 g mm/m(2) day kPa while an increase in the tensile strength from 23.28 to 39.75 MPa was seen. FTIR analysis showed that no structural changes took place in the polymeric matrix after the addition of CNC, while FESEM results showed that higher CNC loadings (7%) lead to agglomeration. Crystallinity of the films increased with the addition of CNC, as evident from XRD. The developed bio-nanocomposite films have the potential to be utilized for high-barrier food packaging applications.

Automated summary

This work presents the development and characterization of kappa-carrageenan-based bio-nanocomposite films incorporated with cellulose nanocrystals derived from Indian gooseberry pomace. The films exhibited improved barrier and mechanical properties with the addition of CNC, showing decreased water vapor permeability and increased tensile strength. Higher CNC loadings were found to lead to agglomeration, while the addition of CNC increased the crystallinity of the films. The developed bio-nanocomposite films have potential for high-barrier food packaging applications.