Oil palm biomass cellulose-fabricated polylactic acid composites for packaging applications

Abstract

The use of biodegradable polymers for food packaging material is favorable due to its ability to degrade after use. Nevertheless, the real application of the polymers is still limited due to its poor physical properties. Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the biodegradable polymers commonly used for packaging. Recently, there have been reports on the use of nanocellulose as filler in polylactic acid (PLA) for improving the mechanical properties of PLA; however, it has limitation in which non-uniform dispersion of nanocellulose is formed within the polymer during melt-blending. Uniform dispersion can be obtained through solvent casting method; nevertheless, it is not industrially applicable. In this study, a one-pot process was developed where nanofibrillation of cellulose and subsequently melt-blending of the nanocellulose with PLA were conducted in a twin-screw extruder. Results showed that nanocomposite reinforced with 3 and 5 wt% cellulose nanofiber (CNF) exhibited higher tensile strength and Young's modulus compared to neat PLA. Crystallinity of the polymer increased by 43% with the addition of 5 wt% CNF. Meanwhile, wettability of the polymer was also improved as seen by the reduction in contact angle value. Results obtained exhibited the potential of the composite films to be used in packaging material, especially for high respiration products.