Does the Addition of Cellulosic Micro/nanofibrils Improve the Properties of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Films?

Abstract

Damages to ecosystems, due to the consumption of petroleum-based materials, can be mitigated with the use of biopolymers such as cellulose derivatives. The objective was to evaluate the influence of different proportions of cellulose micro/nanofibrils (MFC/NFC) on the properties of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) films. Films were prepared using proportions of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% (w/w) of MFC/NFC of Pinus sp. in relation to HPMC. The physical, barrier, surface, optical, morphological and mechanical properties were evaluated. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, linear regression, principal component analysis and Pearson correlation. Solids content, basis weight and density values increased with higher MFC/NFC amount, while thickness and porosity were reduced. SEM images showed that films with more than 50% MFC/NFC had a more granular surface resulting in reduction of transparency from 80 to 65%. The water vapor penetration did not differ between films and the degradation in water was reduced from 40 to 5% as MFC/NFC was added. There were no differences for contact angle and wettability, but all films showed high resistance to fat penetration. Films with MFC/NFC contents between 75 and 100% showed higher values for tensile strength (50 to 65 MPa) and Young's modulus (6 to 10 MPa) and lower elongation at break (1 to 2%). The experimental results indicated that films with MFC/NFC contents above 50% have potential to be used as packaging material.

A Comparative Investigation of the Surface Properties of Corn-Starch-Microfibrillated Cellulose Composite Films

“…MFC is composed of high-aspect-ratio nanosized fibrils in the 10-100 nm range. It is characterized by a high specific surface area and a large number of surface hydroxyl groups which can generate inter-and intramolecular hydrogen bonds [22,23]. Briefly, MFC is obtained by mechanical or chemical destruction of the multilevel organization of natural fibers in cellulose and then extraction of the microfibrils [24,25].…”

“…Fotie et al reported using MFC as a coating for food packaging plastics, whereas changes in the oxygen barrier properties were observed [27]. Furthermore, MFC can be successfully used for the development of coatings for paper packaging [22]. Wei et al investigated starch-corn stalk cellulose material for biodegradable straws [28] instead of plastic straws, which are restricted in UE.…”

The bridge between genotype associations and innovations for Leptocybe invasa resistance in Eucalyptus: a meta-analysis

“…It has been proposed to use an alcohol gel formulation from mechanically de brillated nano cellulose (MFC), as it is cheaper than existing products, has forestry origin, is affordable, and is available on a large scale [8]. The importance increases due to the accumulation of petroleum products that causes damage to ecosystems, which can be avoided with cellulose-based products [9], which could be minimized with cellulose-based products [10,11]. However, in this crop, there is a particular concern with an insect attack denominated Leptocybe invasa pest Fisher & La Salle 2004 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), known as eucalyptus gall wasp [12].…”