Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Cellulose nanofibrils nanocomposite as coating for food packaging paper

ABSTRACT

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) can be modified to be used as a coating on food paper packaging. Previous research on PVA/CNF composites showed a low viscosity, which impacted their performance on the coating paper process. To overcome this problem, a thickening agent, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), is needed. In this work, the effect of CMC on PVA/CMC/CNF nanocomposites was investigated by varying the concentrations of CMC with PVA/CMC and CNF ratio of 80:20 and 90:10. The nanocomposites were characterized by their physical and tensile properties which could affect their coating performance. Moreover, the coating process was conducted on paper and the performances of the coated paper were studied. The results showed that the increase in CMC concentration led to an increasing viscosity and good zeta potential, suggesting good dispersion. Moreover, the addition of CMC improved the tensile properties of PVA/CMC/CNF nanocomposites. However, SEM analysis of PVA/CMC-1:CNF (80:20) revealed the occurrence of agglomeration which might influence the performance of the coated paper. Interestingly, PVA/CMC-1:CNF (80:20) had an excellent water resistance, with the lowest Cobb₆₀. Moreover, the addition of CMC 1 wt% increased WVTR, which remained lower than the blank sample. Meanwhile, PVA/CMC-2:CNF (80:20) demonstrated the best performance in the oil absorption and tearing resistance test. In summary, the addition of CMC can effectively improve the physical and tensile properties of the PVA/CMC/CNF, as well as the barrier properties and tear strength of the PVA/CMC/CNF coated paper. The results demonstrate the potency of this material as a coating for food packaging paper.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Carboxymethyl cellulose
• cellulose nanofibrils
• nanocomposite
• paper coating, barrier properties

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset dan Teknologi, for the research funding of Hibah Penelitian Kerjasama Dalam Negeri under funding year of 2023 with contract number: 125/E5/PG.02.00.PL/2023; NKB-1136/UN2.RST/HKP.05.00/2023. The authors acknowledge the Integrated Laboratory and Research Center (ILRC) Universitas Indonesia, Badan Riset Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), and Laboratorium Pengujian Bahan Grafika Politeknik Negeri Media Kreatif Jakarta for the characterization facilities. Noteworthy, the authors thank Prof. Dr. Ir. Mochamad Chalid, S.Si., M. Eng. from Department of Metallurgical and Material Engineering Universitas Indonesia from for his support in facilitating the tensile strength analysis, and Henry Latief Himawan from Department of Chemistry Universitas Indonesia as well as Annisa Nurul Syabila from Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Indonesia for their assistance in preparing this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Hibah Penelitian Kerjasama Dalam Negeri Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset dan Teknologi, under contract number: 125/E5/PG.02.00.PL/2023; NKB-1136/UN2.RST/HKP.05.00/2023.

Notes on contributors

Noverra Mardhatillah Nizardo

Noverra Mardhatillah Nizardo Dr. rer. nat. Noverra Mardhatillah Nizardo obtained her B.Sc. in Chemistry from Universitas Indonesia in 2006. She later pursued an M.Sc. in Polymer Science from Polymer Science Joint Program Freie Universtät Berlin, Humboldt-Universtät zu Berlin, Technische Universtät Berlin, and Universtät Potsdam, Germany. In 2014, she started her PhD at the Universtät Potsdam in the field of polymer chemistry and completed it in 2018. She is currently a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in the Department of Chemistry, at Universitas Indonesia with research interests in polymer synthesis and modification of biopolymers.

Noor Athifah Dzahyrah Sugandi

Noor Athifah Dzahyrah Sugandi Noor Athifah Dzahyrah Sugandi graduated in Chemistry from Universitas Indonesia and obtained her Bachelor of Science in 2023. Her research interest focused on the synthesis and characterization of biopolymers for food packaging paper coatings. Her goal in conducting this research was to create more environmentally friendly packaging.

Aniek Sri Handayani

Aniek Sri Handayani Dr. Ir. Aniek Sri Handayani, M.T., I.P.M. is Associate Professor in Biomaterials at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Indonesian Institute of Technology. She is currently interested in biomass-based biomaterial research for various applications such as processing biomass as a natural polymer for food packaging, biomedical, and other applications.