Development and characterization of chitosan bionanocomposites containing oxidized cellulose nanocrystals

作者：Souza Vanderlei C; Niehues Eduardo; Quadri Mara G N^*

来源：Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2016, 133(7): 43033.

DOI：10.1002/app.43033

• biopolymers and renewable polymers
• blends
• cellulose and other wood products
• mechanical properties
• nanoparticles
• nanowires and nanocrystals

In this research, cellulose nanocrystals (CNs) were extracted from corn cobs by 2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical-mediated oxidation combined with ultrasonic treatment for the first time. These CNs were then used as a mechanical reinforcement agent and barrier in chitosan-based bionanocomposite films. Birefringence analyses under crossed polarizers indicated the presence of isolated nanocrystals in suspension, which was later confirmed by TEM analysis. The crystallinity index obtained from X-ray diffraction was 92.4%. The incorporation of these nanoparticles into a filmogenic matrix of chitosan made it possible to obtain bionanocomposite films with improved properties. The water-vapor permeability was reduced by 70%, whereas the tensile strength and Young's modulus increased by up to 136 and 224% respectively. The developed films were applied as interleaving of sliced cheese, and the efficiency was assessed by investigation of adhesion between the surfaces and by comparing its properties with two commercial interleaving products (polyethylene (PE), and Greasepel paper (GP)). Concluding, the developed films showed a substantial potential to be exploited as an interleaving film, owing to its excellent mechanical properties, permeability, hydrophobicity, and low surface adhesion compared to pure chitosan, PE, and GP films.

• 出版日期2016-2-15