Abstract:
Due to a high aspect ratio and enhanced mechanical strength, cellulose
nanofibrils can be used as reinforcing elements in biocomposite films. In
this study, cellulose nanofibrils were isolated from sugarcane bagasse using
TEMPO-mediated oxidation and used to reinforce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
films. The carboxyl group content, functional groups, crystallinity, thermal
properties, and morphology of the nanofibrils were investigated. The influence of TOCNF content on the transmittance, swelling, and tensile strength
of PVA-TOCNF films was investigated by varying the TOCNF content of PVA
films. The fibrils had a carboxyl content of 12.2 ± 0.6 mg/g CE due to the
presence of carboxylic groups, an increased degree of crystallinity, and
highly porous nanofibrils with lengths between 150 nm and 600 nm.
Incorporation of the isolated fiber on PVA films increased the swelling
capacity, tensile strength, and UV absorption but a decrease in the solubility
of the composite. An increase in the TOCNF content increased the tensile
strength of the films with the highest tensile strength of 6.6 ± 2.2 kPa being
observed when the TOCNF content was 30%. The improvement in films
properties implies that the films can be used as a packaging material due
to enhanced water absorption and light-barrier properties
