Nanocellulose reinforced corn starch-based biocomposite films: Composite optimization, characterization and storage studies

The nanocellulose (NC) synthesized from cotton linters was used as a reinforcement to develop biocomposite films with improved functionality. The starch films incorporated with varying percentages of NC and other additives (glycerol (GL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)) were prepared using solvent casting method. Response Surface Methodology was employed to study and optimize the effect of film composition on tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), bursting strength (BS), and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films. The optimum composite formulation obtained from the predictive model was: 0.89% NC, 2.53% GL, and 1.89% PVOH. The predicted responses in terms of TS, EB, BS and WVP were 8.92 MPa, 41.92%, 556 kPa, and 7.07 x 10(-10 )g/m.s.Pa respectively. The reinforcement of NC showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in mechanical and barrier properties of starch films. The films also presented high effectiveness in keeping the quality of edible oil for more than three months at ambient storage conditions. These bionanocomposite films have promising potential as an alternative packaging material for the storage of edible oils.

Automated summary

Nanocellulose was used as a reinforcement to develop biocomposite films with improved functionality for storing edible oils. The composition of the films was optimized to enhance mechanical and barrier properties, resulting in a promising alternative packaging material.