Investigation on properties of composite film using carboxymethylcellulose

Loh, Win Kei (2022) Investigation on properties of composite film using carboxymethylcellulose. Final Year Project, UTAR.

Preview

PDF Download (4053Kb) | Preview

Abstract

Recently, researchers have been focusing on the development of sustainable packaging to minimize the environmental issues created by conventional packaging.In this study, Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), is used as an organic matrix for the formation of biocomposite film, one of the potential sustainable packaging due to its good film-forming ability, biodegradable and low-cost. With this purpose, the biocomposite film was prepared with nanomer PGV as reinforcement inorganic filler to increase the stiffness and strength of a polymer matrix and PEG as plasticizermainly to improve the flexibility and the water vapor barrier properties of the biocomposite films. These all ingredients were mixed at various content (CMC) content: 1 g, 2 g and 3 g, PEG content: 0.5 g, 0.6 g and 0.7 g, PGV content: 0.1 g, 0.2 g and 0.3 g) to form homogeneous solution before the film is formed via a simple casting method. The properties of the film were then characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile test and water solubility test. Results from the analysis show that the increase of CMC content improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the film. Besides, the effect of increasing PEG content on the mechanical properties, thermal stability and water solubility were not so significant. Apart from that, the addition of PGV content could improve the water resistance of the film as PGV nanoclay acts as a filler and physical blockage for water resistance. Increasing PGV content also improve the mechanical properties due to the presence of hydroxyl group in both CMC and PGV could form hydrogen bond between CMC and PGV. The optimum film was formed with a mixture of 3 g of CMC, 0.6 g of PEG and 0.2 g PGV, where the tensile strength of VI 1431 MPa, elongation at break of 27.3%, residue percentage of 33.3076% after third step thermal decomposition and took 17 minutes to dissolve in water. Compared to the commercial PE film with tensile strength of 126 MPa, elongation at break of 432.25%, residue percentage of 17.2132% after third step thermal decomposition and took more than 24 hours to dissolve in water. From the comparison between 3CMC�0.6PEG-0.2PGV film and commercial PE film, it could be observed that 3CMC�0.6PEG-0.2PGV film are quite weak in terms of elongation at break and water resistance. Findings of this study provide a significant and clear direction for development of sustainable packaging for commercialization to fulfill future market demand.

Actions (login required)