Properties and Characterization of Lignin Nanoparticles Functionalized in Macroalgae Biopolymer Films

Abstract

The demand for bioplastic material for industrial applications is increasing. However, moisture absorption and low mechanical strength have limited the use of bioplastic in commercial-scale applications. Macroalgae is no exception to these challenges of bioplastics. In this study, Kappaphycus alvarezii macroalgae were reinforced with lignin nanoparticles. Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were used as a filler to reduce the brittleness and hydrophilic nature of macroalgae (matrix). Lignin nanofiller was produced using a green approach from black liquor of soda pulping waste and purified. The physical, mechanical, morphological, structural, thermal, and water barrier properties of LNPs with and without the purification process in macroalgae films were studied. The bioplastic films' functional properties, such as physical, mechanical, thermal, and water barrier properties, were significantly improved by incorporating purified and unpurified LNPs. However, the purified LNPs have a greater reinforcement effect on the macroalgae than unpurified LNPs. In this study, bioplastic film with 5% purified LNPs presented the optimum enhancement on almost all the functional properties. The enhancement is attributed to high compatibility due to strong interfacial interaction between the nanofiller and matrix. The developed LNPs/macroalgae bioplastic films can provide additional benefits and solutions to various industrial applications, especially packaging material.

Functional Properties of Kenaf Bast Fibre Anhydride Modification Enhancement with Bionanocarbon in Polymer Nanobiocomposites

“…The high estimated negative value could be attributed to the significance of the carboxyl functional group on the surface of the bionanocarbon [ 43 ]. The increase in surface densities of the functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl is significant for the filler’s miscibility, compatibility, and dispersion stability in the matrix [ 44 , 45 ]. The zeta potential below −30 mV indicated the stability of the surface charge of the bionanocarbon particles, which implies that sufficient mutual repulsion resulted in colloidal or emulsion stability [ 46 ].…”

Cotton Wastes Functionalized Biomaterials from Micro to Nano: A Cleaner Approach for a Sustainable Environmental Application

“…Circular design toward bio-packaging using cotton wastes as a functional material has a promising prospect. At a structural level, cellulose derivatives from bio-cellulose composites are an attractive prospect for sheet coating and binders [12]. Fibres of cellulosic composition have a high degree of polymerization, including high modulus and tensile strength for the selection and fabrication of bio-composites.…”

“…High aspect ratio cotton fibers in composite reinforcement provides high tensile strength, which implies that cotton fibre reinforcement in a composite have good mechanical properties suitable for packaging applications. At a structural level, cellulose derivatives from bio-cellulose composites are an attractive prospect for sheet coating and binders [12]. Fibres of cellulosic composition have a high degree of polymerization, including high modulus and tensile strength for the selection and fabrication of bio-composites.…”

“…In other words, processed cotton wastes can be utilized as adsorbent media for the removal of recalcitrant pollutants from wastewater, as reinforcement materials for packaging and biomedical applications. Furthermore, the various forms of cotton wastes, especially postconsumer wastes, can be utilized as a promising source of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) due to its high cellulose contents including its inherent prospects for advanced applications toward environmental sustainability [12]. CNCs are the derivatives of cellulose used for various applications in nanoscience due to its high mechanical strength, high aspect ratio, large surface area, high modulus, and biodegradability [13,14].…”

Lignin Nanoparticles and Alginate Gel Beads: Preparation, Characterization and Removal of Methylene Blue

“…More importantly, the resulting nano-character coupled with amounts of functional groups, large specific surface area, high diffusibility and compatibility, and low-cost nature opens up novel opportunities for lignins [ 11 , 12 ]. For example, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) are helpful to fabricate novel and well-performing bio-nanocomposite materials [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Anti-ultraviolet (UV)/anti-bacterial coatings [ 19 , 20 ], the controlled release of drugs [ 21 , 22 ] and the adsorption of heavy metal ions [ 23 ] are a couple of proven examples.…”