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Bionanocomposite films based on polysaccharides from banana peels
Túlio Ítalo S Oliveira1, Morsyleide F Rosa2, Michael J Ridout3
1Federal University of Ceara, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Department, Campus Pici, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Abstract:
Pectin and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) isolated from banana peels were used to prepare films. The effects of a reinforcing phase (CNCs) and a crosslinker (citric acid, CA) on properties of pectin films were studied. Glycerol-plasticized films were prepared by casting, with different CNC contents (0-10wt%), with or without CA. Overall tensile properties were improved by intermediate CNC contents (around 5wt%). The water resistance and water vapor barrier properties were also enhanced by CNC. Evidences were found from Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra supporting the occurrence of crosslinking by CA. Additionally, the tensile strength, water resistance and barrier to water vapor were improved by the presence of CA. The 13C ssNMR spectra indicated that both CA and CNC promoted stiffening of the polymer chains.
