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

Abstract

This review article was prompted by a remarkable growth in the number of scientific publications dealing with the use of nanocellulose (especially nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and bacterial cellulose (BC)) to enhance the barrier properties and other performance attributes of new generations of packaging products. Recent research has confirmed and extended what is known about oxygen barrier and water vapor transmission performance, strength properties, and the susceptibility of nanocellulose-based films and coatings to the presence of humidity or moisture. Recent research also points to various promising strategies to prepare ecologically-friendly packaging materials, taking advantage of nanocellulose-based layers, to compete in an arena that has long been dominated by synthetic plastics. Some promising approaches entail usage of multiple layers of different materials or additives such as waxes, high-aspect ratio nano-clays, and surface-active compounds in addition to the nanocellulose material. While various high-end applications may be achieved by chemical derivatization or grafting of the nanocellulose, the current trends in research suggest that high-volume implementation will likely incorporate water-based formulations, which may include water-based dispersions or emulsions, depending on the end-uses.

Cellulose Nanofibers/Pectin/Pomegranate Extract Nanocomposite as Antibacterial and Antioxidant Films and Coating for Paper

“…An important requirement for films used in the packaging of oily or fatty products is the greaseproof property. Polymers rich in hydrophilic groups, such as cellulose and pectin, can form an extensive network of hydrogen bonding and have very low interaction with oil and grease [ 36 ]. In addition, CNF films have a very dense structure which, along with extensive hydrogen bonding, makes the penetration of oils and fats rather difficult [ 36 ].…”

“…Polymers rich in hydrophilic groups, such as cellulose and pectin, can form an extensive network of hydrogen bonding and have very low interaction with oil and grease [ 36 ]. In addition, CNF films have a very dense structure which, along with extensive hydrogen bonding, makes the penetration of oils and fats rather difficult [ 36 ]. In the current work, the grease resistance of CNF films containing different ratios of Pectin/PGE nanoemulsion was studied to investigate the effect of the presence of the nanoemulsion particles on that property.…”

“…CNFs can improve mechanical, barrier (air, moisture, oil, and thermal), and printability properties, and reduce paper weight products [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Nevertheless, due to the negative effect of CNFs on the drainage of water during paper sheet formation as a result of their very small size, very high water holding capacity, and ability to fill empty spaces between the pulp fibers and clog pores of the wet web [ 27 , 29 , 30 ], applying CNFs as a surface coating after paper sheet formation instead of applying them as a paper additive has resulted in increasing interest for improving paper properties and the production of novel paper products [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Usually, paper coating materials are used in very small quantities and applied as a very thin layer, yet they bring about significant effects on paper properties.…”

Nanocellulose-Based Nanocomposites for Sustainable Applications: A Review

“…The coating process, which involves spreading a slurry onto the surface of a variety of reinforcing/supporting materials, is widely employed in food packaging, particularly for paper and paperboard packaging materials, which are typically coated to increase moisture, gas, and grease-barrier characteristics. The particles form a film layer that adheres to the material surface during the coating process, whilst excess liquid medium is evaporated [197]. Thin coating layers of nanocellulose alone or in combination with other polymers can be developed due to the high dispersion of nanocellulose in water.…”

Cellulose Nanofiber-Based Ethylene Scavenging Antimicrobial Films Incorporated with Various Types of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles to Extend the Shelf Life of Fruits

“…As an attractive carbohydrate, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have recently received much attention because of their renewable sources, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and abundant availability. CNFs have been used to produce functional papers, composites, edible films, and packaging films. − Also, CNFs have been widely used to prepare biodegradable packaging films because of their transparency, film-forming capability, and excellent physical and mechanical properties. However, the lack of functionality limits the industrial use of these films .…”