Improved Hydrophobicity of Macroalgae Biopolymer Film Incorporated with Kenaf Derived CNF Using Silane Coupling Agent

Abstract

Hydrophilic behaviour of carrageenan macroalgae biopolymer, due to hydroxyl groups, has limited its applications, especially for packaging. In this study, macroalgae were reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) isolated from kenaf bast fibres. The macroalgae CNF film was after that treated with silane for hydrophobicity enhancement. The wettability and functional properties of unmodified macroalgae CNF films were compared with silane-modified macroalgae CNF films. Characterisation of the unmodified and modified biopolymers films was investigated. The atomic force microscope (AFM), SEM morphology, tensile properties, water contact angle, and thermal behaviour of the biofilms showed that the incorporation of Kenaf bast CNF remarkably increased the strength, moisture resistance, and thermal stability of the macroalgae biopolymer films. Moreover, the films’ modification using a silane coupling agent further enhanced the strength and thermal stability of the films apart from improved water-resistance of the biopolymer films compared to unmodified films. The morphology and AFM showed good interfacial interaction of the components of the biopolymer films. The modified biopolymer films exhibited significantly improved hydrophobic properties compared to the unmodified films due to the enhanced dispersion resulting from the silane treatment. The improved biopolymer films can potentially be utilised as packaging materials.

Improving the Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum Alloy by Creating a Superhydrophobic Surface Structure through a Two-Step Process of Etching Followed by Polymer Modification

“…The new peak at 1682 cm −1 is related to the C-F oscillation mode. Due to the strong electron-withdrawing effect of fluorine, the silane film possesses good chemical stability, hydrophobicity and oil repellency [ 33 ]. The two characteristic peaks located at 2780 and 2842 cm −1 are relevant to the C-H bond, which has a repelling effect on the -OH group, thus improving the hydrophobicity of the modified film [ 34 ].…”

Effects of alkaline‐acid treatment on the physiochemical attributes of natural cellulosic fiber of Arundo donaxL

“…To produce cellulose nanomaterial by the substitution process, highly pure cellulose must be used as the raw material. 20,21 However different types of chemical compounds and extractives exist with cellulose such as; oil, fats, pigments, organic acid, waxes etc. In the present investigation, the Soxhlet extraction was carried out to remove extractives, analytes, and waxes to obtain purified cellulose.…”

“…15 To produce cellulose nanomaterial through the substitution process, highly pure cellulose must be used as the raw material. 20,21 Henceforth extraction and purification of cellulose is a prerequisite condition to synthesize nanomaterials including composites and polymers.…”

Functional Properties of Antimicrobial Neem Leaves Extract Based Macroalgae Biofilms for Potential Use as Active Dry Packaging Applications

“…The observed surface could best be attributed to the effect of agglomeration. As a result, the film was susceptible to poor water resistance and possibly could affect the tensile properties of the film [53]. Thermal properties of the seaweed based films were studied usi Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to investigate the decomposition and thermal stabil of the films (Figure 5).…”