Structural and mechanical properties of clay nanocomposite foams based on cellulose for the food‐packaging industry

Abstract

International audienceIn this work, an extensive study was carried out on the preparation and characterization of nanoclay biocomposites based on cellulose to substitute for synthetic polymer foam trays as food-packaging materials. The preparation stage was performed via a dissolution/regeneration route followed by drying with lyophilization. The chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of the prepared composite foams were characterized by several methods, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mechanical tests, density, and color analyses. The obtained results indicate that the presence of nanoclay in the cellulose matrix caused more uniformity in the structure of the foams. Also, an increase in the nanoclay content resulted in a higher density, compressive strength, and Young's modulus. The achievements from this study suggest that the prepared cellulose nanocomposite foam could be a potential alternative to commercial synthetic foams for packing food products

Biodegradable baked foam made with chayotextle starch mixed with plantain flour and wood fiber

“…Unfortunately, these materials have some drawbacks, such as poor long‐term stability, poor mechanical properties, and a strong affinity for absorbing moisture . With the aim of improving the properties of starch foam, researchers have mixed it with natural fiber, chitosan, plant proteins, kraft fiber, palm oil, cassava bagasse, poly(vinyl alcohol), and clay nanocomposite . However, there are reports that mention that some of these mixes are susceptible to agglomerate and are immiscible in starch at high ratios .…”

Polysaccharides as Composite Biomaterials

“…Cellulose nanocomposite foam containing MMT was investigated as a substitution for synthetic polymer foam trays. The presence of nanoclay caused more uniformity in the structure of the foam, thus resulted in higher compressive strength, Young's modulus, and density [80]. The use of sepiolite and palygorskite fibrous clays in some polysaccharides of different types was reported [81].…”

Removal of Cadmium and Chromium by Mixture of Silver Nanoparticles and Nano-Fibrillated Cellulose Isolated from Waste Peels of Citrus Sinensis

“…The existence of cellulose that is found as a common material in plant cell walls was first acknowledged by Anselm Payen in 1838, and this cellulose occurs in almost its purest form in the fibres of cotton. Yet, in wood, stalks and plant leaves, it is found in combination with lignin and hemicelluloses [ 4 , 5 ]. As a function of plant species along with its growth function, crystalline and amorphous domains are obtained in native cellulose fibres in variable ratios.…”