Cassava starch-based nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers extracted from sisal

Author(s)

Santana, Jamille Santos ; do Rosario, Jamile Marques ; Pola, Cicero Cardoso ; Otoni, Caio Gomide ; Ferreira Soares, Nilda de Fatima ; Camilloto, Geany Peruch ; Cruz, Renato Souza

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Polymer Science; v. 134, n. 12, p. 9-pg., 2017-03-01.

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibers were extracted from sisal and incorporated at different concentrations (0-5%) into cassava starch to produce nanocomposites. Films' morphology, thickness, transparency, swelling degree in water, water vapor permeability (WVP) as well as thermal and mechanical properties were studied. Cellulose nanofiber addition affected neither thickness (56.637 +/- 2.939 mu m) nor transparency (2.97 +/- 1.07 mm(-1)). WVP was reduced until a cellulose nanofiber content of 3.44%. Tensile force was increased up to a nanocellulose concentration of 3.25%. Elongation was decreased linearly upon cellulose nanofiber addition. Among all films, the greatest Young's modulus was 2.2 GPa. Cellulose nanofibers were found to reduce the onset temperature of thermal degradation, although melting temperature and enthalpy were higher for the nanocomposites. Because cellulose nanofibers were able to improve key properties of the films, the results obtained here can pave the route for the development and large-scale production of novel biodegradable packaging materials. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/23098-9 - Study and optimization of natural fiber-reinforced edible polymer biocomposites formulated with fruit and vegetable processing wastes
• Grantee: Caio Gomide Otoni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)