Abstract
Bio-nanocomposite films based on polylactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were developed using a twin-screw extruder. The CNCs were extracted from coffee silverskin (CS), which is a by-product of the coffee roasting process. They were extracted by alkali treatment followed by sulfuric acid hydrolysis. They were used as reinforcing agents to obtain PLA/CNC nanocomposites by addition at different concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5% CNCs). Morphological, tensile, and barrier properties of the bio-nanocomposites were analyzed. The tensile strength and Young's modulus increased with both 1% and 3% CNCs. The water vapor permeability decreased gradually with increasing addition of CNCs up to 3% and good oxygen barrier properties were found for all nanocomposites. These results suggest that CNCs from CS can improve the physical properties of PLA-based biopolymer film. The developed PLA/CNC bio-nanocomposite films can potentially be used for biopolymer materials with enhanced barrier and mechanical properties.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 495-503 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Carbohydrate Polymers |
| Volume | 169 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 Aug 1 |
Keywords
- Biopolymer film
- Cellulose nanocrystals
- Coffee silverskin
- Extrusion
- Polylactic acid
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Organic Chemistry
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry