Characterization of nano-biocomposite films reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose and montmorillonite as a potential application for Food packaging industry

Abstract

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol- Nanofibrillated cellulose –Montmorillonite (PVA-NFC-MMT)<br />and Ethylene-vinyl acetate- Nanofibrillated cellulose –Montmorillonite (EVA-NFC-MMT) nanocomposites<br />containing 2% weight of NFC and MMT were prepared by melt blending method. Then, the effect of<br />NFC and MMT as reinforcing materials on biodegradability, morphology, and mechanical, thermal and<br />barrier properties of films was investigated. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy images of<br />PVA-NFC-MMT and EVA-NFC-MMT indicated simultaneous uniform dispersion of NFC and MMT in the<br />polymer matrix leading to the highest values of transparency and strength compared to control samples.<br />Results for Differential Scanning Calorimetry indicated an increase in glass transition temperature and<br />the crystallinity of PVA-NFC-MMT and EVA-NFC-MMT, compared to films without NFC and MMT.<br />Oxygen permeability was decreased from 28.5 and 760 cc/m2.day.atm in pure PVA and EVA to 3.7<br />and 114 cc/m2. day.atm in PVA-NFC- MMT and EVA-NFC-MMT, respectively. Compared to the control<br />sample, the tensile strength of PVA-NFC-MMT and EVA-NFC-MMT was increased by 20 and 44.4%,<br />respectively. Biodegradability tests of films under soil indicated the improved degradation of PVA and<br />EVA due to the simultaneous presence of NFC and MMT in such a way that they were degraded by 9.56<br />and 8.36%, after 120 days under soil burial conditions, respectively.