Fabrication of Chitosan-Based Film by Incorporating with Nanocellulose Produced from Agricultural Waste

Abstract

Oil-based plastics, a popular material in the packaging industry with inexpensive and long-lasting durability, have become a significant threat to the ecosystem due to their single-use, recalcitrant nature. Therefore, finding biodegradable plastic to replace oil-based plastics has attracted more interest. Nanocellulose and chitosan, an abundant polymer in nature, have remarkable properties such as biodegradability, bioavailability, and biocompatibility. Both materials can be produced from low-cost sources such as lignocellulosic biomass and crustacean waste, respectively. Hence, in this study, nanocellulose from agro-waste and chitosan from shrimp waste were combined to create a biofilm food packaging. The biofilms were characterized using FTIR, TGA, SEM, while the physical properties of the biofilm demonstrated the role of nanocellulose in biofilm reinforcement. As a result, PVA/CS/CNC film exhibited tensile strength up to 18.25 MPa and water resistance up to 160 % compared to the control sample. This biodegradable film offers a potential alternative to synthetic materials like food packaging.