Biodegradable, Flexible and Ultraviolet Blocking Nanocellulose Composite Film Incorporated with Lignin Nanoparticles

Abstract

The exploration of functional films using sustainable cellulose-based materials to replace plastics has been of much interest. In this work, two kinds of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were mixed with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) for the fabrication of composite films with biodegradable, flexible and ultraviolet blocking performances. LNPs isolated from p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrolysis was easily recondensed and deposited on the surface of composite film, resulting in a more uneven surface; however, the composite film consisting of CNFs and LNPs isolated from maleic acid hydrolysis exhibited a homogeneous surface. Compared to pure CNF film, the composite CNF/LNP films exhibited higher physical properties (tensile strength of 164 MPa and Young’s modulus of 8.0 GPa), a higher maximal weight loss temperature of 310 °C, and a perfect UVB blocking performance of 95.2%. Meanwhile, the composite film had a lower environmental impact as it could be rapidly biodegraded in soil and manmade seawater. Overall, our results open new avenues for the utilization of lignin nanoparticles in biopolymer composites to produce functional and biodegradable film as a promising alternative to petrochemical plastics.

Cellulose Nanofibril/Talc Composite Films with Excellent Barrier Properties by Alternate Hierarchical Method

“…Cellulose is biodegradable in the natural environment, and this degradability allows it to prevail in various applications compared to traditional plastics. , As shown in Figure , photographs of all samples (20 mm × 20 mm) were taken over time, which showed the appearance changes of the films under moist soil burial condition. All of the films maintained the initial appearances in the first 5 days.…”

High-Strength and UV-Shielding Transparent Thin Films from Hot-Pressed Sulfonated Wood

“…These results are comparable with the transmittance achieved for thinner lignin-containing cellulose films (ca. 50 μm thick) from the bottom-up approach , and 5 times higher than that achieved for reconstructed balsa wood by structure retaining delignification and back infiltration of Kraft lignin (thickness of 55 μm) . As lignin was partially preserved, all samples show 100% absorption in the UV-B range (<320 nm).…”

“…11 The composite films prepared from lignin nanoparticles and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) also showed excellent UV resistance and thermal stability. 12 These films presented good flexibility and transparency but relatively lower mechanical properties compared to neat cellulose films. High-yield microfibrillated lignocellulose (MFLC or lignin-rich MFC) has been prepared from unbleached wood pulp fibers with an optimum lignin content of 11%.…”

“…Lignin is extremely interesting due to its excellent UV absorption ability and low moisture sorption. , To prepare cellulosic thin films with UV-blocking properties, homogeneous cellulose–lignin films were regenerated from cellulose that was covalently conjugated to lignin through click chemistry . The composite films prepared from lignin nanoparticles and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) also showed excellent UV resistance and thermal stability . These films presented good flexibility and transparency but relatively lower mechanical properties compared to neat cellulose films.…”

Lignin-containing biodegradable UV-blocking films: a review

“…In addition to enhanced strength, the composite film also exhibited outstanding UV-resistance and thermal stability. 89 Some specific processing methods like successive infiltration, mechanical hot-pressing and self-absorption can further enhance the mechanical properties of the membrane. Dhar et al prepared BC (bacterial cellulose)/AL film with strong UV-blocking ability and antioxidant properties.…”