Palm oil plantations are very important in that they supply vegetable oil globally. However, increased production of palm oil prompts the accumulation of large lignocelluloses residues in the form of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). This study explored the advantages of using OPEFB in the production of all-cellulose composite (ACC) films. The isolation process of the raw OPEFB fiber was carried out using a chemical process to extract OPEFB nanocellulose. ACC films from OPEFB and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were prepared using a dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and lithium chloride solvent system whereby the partially dissolved cellulose was transformed into the matrix phase surrounding the remaining nondissolved fiber. ACC films with 1% (wt/vol) OPEFB and 3% (wt/vol) MCC were prepared and the effects of chemical treatment of the OPEFB cellulose on the mechanical properties, crystalline structure, morphology, moisture absorption and soil biodegradability of the ACC film were investigated. The tensile strength of the ACC film was tremendously improved by chemical treatment. For instance, when acetic acid was used to treat the nanocellulose, the resultant film showed 279% increment in tensile strength value. However, formic acid-treated films demonstrate greater moisture uptake and soil biodegradation rate. The findings could be related to the alterations of hydroxyl group composition in the nanocellulose and variation in dissolution rate of the nanocellulose during chemical treatment. K E Y W O R D S all-cellulose composite, biodegradability, ionic liquid, nanocellulose, oil palm empty fruit bunch 1 | INTRODUCTION Plastic film is the most commonly used material for packaging due to its aesthetic quality, low cost, handleability, flexibility, and lightweight. Plastic films used for domestic and food packaging are typically made from petroleum sources like polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE). Use of these materials has led to severe environmental issues. A way to reduce packaging environmental issues is by introducing natural ingredients into

No abstract

No abstract

The empty fruit bunch (EFB) regenerated cellulose (RC) biocomposite films for packaging application were prepared using ionic liquid. The effects of EFB content and methyl methacrylate (MMA) treatment of the EFB on the mechanical and thermal properties of the RC biocomposite were studied. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of the MMA treated RC biocomposite film achieved a maximum value when 2 wt% EFB was used for the regeneration process. The treated EFB RC biocomposite films also possess higher crystallinity index. The morphology analysis indicated that the RC biocomposite film containing MMA treated EFB exhibits a smoother and more homogeneous surface compared to the one containing the untreated EFB. The substitution of the –OH group of the EFB cellulose with the ester group of the MMA resulted in greater dissolution of the EFB in the ionic liquid solvent, thus improving the interphase bonding between the filler and matrix phase of the EF RC biocomposite. Due to this factor, thermal stability of the EFB RC biocomposite also successfully improved.

No abstract