In this study, we successfully demonstrate single-step industrially scalable reactive extrusion of polylactic acid (PLA)/ cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-based cast films which leads to reduced necking, improved processability, melt strength, and rheological behavior. PLA chains grafted onto CNCs, formed cross-linked gel-like structures of high molecular weight (M w ≈ 150−245 kDa), with varying grafting efficiency (14%−67%) or gel-fraction yield (16%− 69%), depending on the type of compatibilizers used. The reactively processed films show reduction in both oxygen properties (20%− 65%) and water vapor barrier properties (27%−50%), along with improved thermomechanical properties. These films finds potential applications for the storage of oil-and dairy-based products, which show shelf lives of ∼5 months and ∼2 weeks, respectively, and are within the standard migration limits, as per the set legislations. Therefore, the present study provides a novel, easily processable extrusion-based approach for manufacturing sustainable PLA/ CNC-based green and eco-friendly films with improved recyclability, biodegradability, and nontoxicity for potential applications as food packages on a commercial scale.

The article demonstrates the crystalline silk nano‐discs (CSNs), with well‐controlled morphology, which upon magnetization, yields magnetic crystalline silk nano‐discs, making both prominent alternatives for replacing metal templates such as gold, silver, and so on in therapeutics and implants. The isolated β‐sheet‐rich discotic CSNs have ~50 nm diameter, high crystallinity (> 90%), and are insoluble but provide good dispersibility and stability in aqueous solutions. The melt blending‐cum‐electrospinning of functionalized CSN with poly(lactic acid) results in biocompatible nanofiber‐based scaffolds having in vitro cell cytocompatibility with improved cell adhesion and proliferation. The assessment of release behavior of curcumin, a naturally occurring anticancer drug, shows sustained release over 25 days exhibiting effective cytotoxicity against human cervical cancer cells. Further, combined effect of curcumin and hyperthermia reduced the cell growth by ~63%. Alignment of CSN‐derived magnetic nanoparticles due to effective fiber drawing process during electrospinning could improve cytocompatibility against BHK‐21 cells, and therefore efficacy for cancer therapy.

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Amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/nanotalc nanohybrids have been prepared through solution casting route. The fine dispersion of nanotalc clay in the polymer matrix has been examined through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The intercalation and interaction of nanoclay have further been confirmed using X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet, and Fourier transform infrared techniques. The thermal stability has been tested via thermogravimetric analysis and nanohybrids have been found thermally stable. The glasstransition temperature has been further confirmed through DTA and differential scanning calorimetry analysis which has been increased in the presence of nanotalc arising from greater interaction. The nanohybrids have been tested for their mechanical performances and have been found to have improved mechanical responses for nanotalc-filled nanohybrids. The modulus has been increased whereas toughness has been compromised meagerly. The modulus values have been theoretically predicted using various micromechanical models. The microhardness of the nanohybrids has been examined through Vicker hardness test. The theoretical prediction of the hardness values has been done using different micromechanical models. The structural development upon uniaxial stretching of the samples has been studied using small-angle X-ray scattering and wide-angle ray diffraction. The stretched samples have found to have short-range ordering as well as increased blob size and better coherency in the presence of nanotalc. The aspect ratio has been increased upon stretching. The inclusion of nanotalc has induced high barrier for gas permeation as compared to pure PET. The oxygen transmission rate has been found to decrease up to 64% for 8 wt % of filler concentration. The prediction of the permeability data has been done using different models considering different aspect ratios. The permeability values have been predicted very closely and nanohybrids have been found suitable for practical applications such as packaging.

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