Characterization of nano-biocomposite films reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose and montmorillonite as a potential application for Food packaging industry

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol- Nanofibrillated cellulose –Montmorillonite (PVA-NFC-MMT)and Ethylene-vinyl acetate- Nanofibrillated cellulose –Montmorillonite (EVA-NFC-MMT) nanocompositescontaining 2% weight of NFC and MMT were prepared by melt blending method. Then, the effect ofNFC and MMT as reinforcing materials on biodegradability, morphology, and mechanical, thermal andbarrier properties of films was investigated. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy images ofPVA-NFC-MMT and EVA-NFC-MMT indicated simultaneous uniform dispersion of NFC and MMT in thepolymer matrix leading to the highest values of transparency and strength compared to control samples.Results for Differential Scanning Calorimetry indicated an increase in glass transition temperature andthe crystallinity of PVA-NFC-MMT and EVA-NFC-MMT, compared to films without NFC and MMT.Oxygen permeability was decreased from 28.5 and 760 cc/m2.day.atm in pure PVA and EVA to 3.7and 114 cc/m2. day.atm in PVA-NFC- MMT and EVA-NFC-MMT, respectively. Compared to the controlsample, the tensile strength of PVA-NFC-MMT and EVA-NFC-MMT was increased by 20 and 44.4%,respectively. Biodegradability tests of films under soil indicated the improved degradation of PVA andEVA due to the simultaneous presence of NFC and MMT in such a way that they were degraded by 9.56and 8.36%, after 120 days under soil burial conditions, respectively.