Cassava starch‐based nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers extracted from sisal

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibers were extracted from sisal and incorporated at different concentrations (0-5%) into cassava starch to produce nanocomposites. Films' morphology, thickness, transparency, swelling degree in water, water vapor permeability (WVP) as well as thermal and mechanical properties were studied. Cellulose nanofiber addition affected neither thickness (56.637 6 2.939 mm) nor transparency (2.97 6 1.07 mm 21 ). WVP was reduced until a cellulose nanofiber content of 3.44%. Tensile force was increased up to a nanocellulose concentration of 3.25%. Elongation was decreased linearly upon cellulose nanofiber addition. Among all films, the greatest Young's modulus was 2.2 GPa. Cellulose nanofibers were found to reduce the onset temperature of thermal degradation, although melting temperature and enthalpy were higher for the nanocomposites. Because cellulose nanofibers were able to improve key properties of the films, the results obtained here can pave the route for the development and large-scale production of novel biodegradable packaging materials.

Production and characterization of starch‐based films reinforced by ramie nanofibers (Boehmeria nivea)

“…Nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable synthetic plastics have represented a serious environmental issue, once they take about a hundred years to decompose, leading to accumulation in nature. Therefore, the interest in developing biodegradable materials from renewable sources to reduce packaging waste while keeping stability and quality has also increased …”

“…Cellulose nanofibers are highly ordered crystalline domains obtained from native fibers by controlled acid hydrolysis. They have unique physical characteristics of stiffness, length, thickness, and they are nonabrasive, nontoxic, and biodegradable …”

The Effect of Cellulose Nanofibers on the Properties of Starch Biopolymer

“…The extraction of cellulose nanofiber from natural fibers and their applications as reinforcement in starch‐based biocomposites have been studied in the literature. During last few years, the cellulose nanofiber extracted from hemp, Helicteres isora plant, banana peels, wheat straw, sisal, Aloe Vera rind, bamboo, cassava bagasse have been used to improve the mechanical properties and water sensitivity of thermoplastic starch matrix. Actually, nanofibrillation and pretreatment are required procedures for the extraction of cellulose nanofibers from natural fibers.…”

Nanocellulose reinforced as green agent in polymer matrix composites applications

“…Released nanoparticles have diameters of 5 to 30 nm and lengths of 100 to 500 nm, or lengths of 100 nm to several micrometers. With microscopic observations and light scattering techniques, it was determined that the morphology and dimensions of NC are elongated rod‐like nanoparticles, and each rod can therefore be regarded as a rigid cellulosic crystal with no apparent defects . Properly prepared NC can be used in many applications (Table ).…”

“…With microscopic observations and light scattering techniques, it was determined that the morphology and dimensions of NC are elongated rod-like nanoparticles, and each rod can therefore be regarded as a rigid cellulosic crystal with no apparent defects. [43][44][45] Properly prepared NC can be used in many applications (Table 1). Nanocellulose can be further modified into a range of different forms, such as papers, transparent films, aerogels, hydrogels, and even spherical particles.…”