Effect of cellulose nanocrystals and gelatin in corn starch plasticized films

Abstract

Cellulose at the nanoparticle scale has been studied as a reinforcement for biodegradable matrices to improve film properties. The goal has been to investigate the properties of starch/gelatin/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) films. Eleven treatments were considered using RCCD (rotatable central composite design), in addition to four control treatments. For each assay, the following dependent variables were measured: water vapor permeability (WVP), thickness, opacity and mechanical properties. The microstructure and thermal properties of the films were also assessed. Increases in gelatin and CNC concentrations lead to increases in film thickness, strength and elongation at break. The films containing only gelatin in their matrix displayed better results than the starch films, and the addition of CNC had a positive effect on the assessed response variables. The films exhibited homogeneous and cohesive structures, indicating strong interactions between the filler and matrix. Films with low levels of gelatin and CNC presented the maximum degradation temperature.

Nanocellulose in Thin Films, Coatings, and Plies for Packaging Applications: A Review

“…Plasticizer use to increase compliance (Alves et al 2015) Strategies related to coupling agents (Suzuki et al 2014) Avoid agglomeration with low reinforcement (Sandquist 2013). Films crack due to bending stresses and inadequate flexibility.…”

“…Several studies have shown that plasticizers can be used at controlled levels to adjust the degree of compliance or rigidity of films that contain nanocellulose reinforcements (Angles and Dufresne 2000;Dufresne et al 2000;López-Rubio et al 2007;Svagan et al 2007;Azeredo et al 2010;Mikkonen et al 2011;Peng et al 2011;Hansen et al 2012;Trovatti et al 2012ab;Barud et al 2013;Fortunati et al 2014;Pereda et al 2014;Alves et al 2015).…”

Production of biodegradable starch nanocomposites using cellulose nanocrystals extracted from coconut fibers

“…The implied enhanced resistance to rupture is desirable and broadens the potential applications of the films to packaging and coating [17] . The strengths of the films ranged between 3.23 MPa (control FM) and 8.20 MPa (FB05).…”

“…Mesquita et al [41] and Alves et al [17] similarly used crossed polarizers to visualize the birefringence phenomenon in a 4% suspension of cellulose nanocrystals obtained from eucalyptus. Birefringence (or optical anisotropy) is a property of transparent crystals that enables them to decompose a light ray into two crossed polarized rays.…”

“…This causes them to fall short of market expectations, especially in the food industry. Consequently, several studies have been conducted on the use of reinforcing additives such as fibers [13,14] and cellulose nanocrystals [15][16][17] to improve the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of starch-based films. Cellulose is the most important polymer and is used in various fields, especially because of its availability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability [18,19] .…”