Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) bio- nanocomposite

Abstract

This study aims to create a biodegradable food packaging material by reinforcing cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This study was prompted by a desire to find answers to existing problems such as landfill waste and dwindling petroleum supply by using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) reinforcement in the polymer matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to address environmental challenges. The purity of the material obtained was investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the Tyndall effect. Three different weight percentage (wt. %) of CNC was prepared (2 wt.%, 4 wt.% and 6 wt.%) then added to 5 wt.% of PVA solution. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized using optical microscopy, Tyndall effect and transparency test. The thermal properties of the nanocomposite were identified using thermogravimetric analysis. As a result, these environmentally benign bio- nanocomposites may be suitable for industrial-scale manufacture of food packaging materials.