Work

Cellulose-based nanocomposite films reinforced with nano clay for enhanced packaging performance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The development of biobased alternatives to conventional plastic packaging is crucial in addressing growing environmental concerns about plastic pollution. Herein, we report a novel approach to enhance the performance of cellulose-based packaging films by chemically modifying microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with octadecanoic acid (MCC C18 ) and reinforcing it with surface-modified nanoclay. The homogeneous grafting of octadecanoic acid onto MCC achieved a high degree of substitution (2.2), imparting intrinsic hydrophobicity to the cellulose matrix. Transparent composite films were fabricated via solvent casting by incorporating varying amounts (1, 3, or 5 wt%) of nanoclay. Remarkably, the composite with 3 wt% nanoclay exhibited an optimized balance of properties, including a 26 % reduction in oxygen transmission rate (OTR), a 48 % decrease in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), significant improvement in tensile strength and modulus, and a contact angle exceeding 100°, all while retaining high optical transparency (∼85 %). These results demonstrate, for the first time, that the synergistic combination of long-chain fatty acid grafting and nanoclay reinforcement can simultaneously enhance barrier, mechanical, and hydrophobic properties of cellulose-based films. The MCC C18 /nanoclay composites represent a promising biobased alternative for sustainable packaging applications, potentially replacing petroleum-derived plastics.

Source: Industrial Crops and Products

DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.122248

Authors: Ashish Chahal, Hossein Baniasadi, Jukka Niskanen

Institution: Aalto University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,720