Effects of HCl Hydrolyzed Cellulose Nanocrystals From Waste Papers on the Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose/Cationic Starch Biofilms

Purpose The study reports on the preparation of nanocrystalline cellulose from waste papers (WPNCC), as an environmental friendly approach of source material and investigation of their effects on the morphological, mechanical and barrier properties of the Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/Cationic starch (HPMC/CS) nanocomposites. Methods The HCl hydrolysis followed by alkali treatment and deinking of the fibers resulted in the production of WPNCC. Also, the HPMC/CS nanocomposites were produced by solvent casting method. Results The TEM results confirmed the rod like shape of WPNCC; the average diameter was 22 ± 7 nm and the length was 125 ± 25 nm. The hydrolysis yield was 65% with high crystallinity index of 79.6%. The results of X-ray diffraction confirmed the successfully production of WPNCC and their effective presence in the HPMC/CS matrix. The homogeneity of WPNCC dispersion in the polymer matrix was approved by FESEM analysis. The WPNCC also did not affect the nanocomposites optical clarity. Conclusion The optimum amount of 9 wt% WPNCC, showed the highest barrier, mechanical and biodegradablility properties. It can prove that these nanocomposites can be considered as a new biomaterial for application in food packaging and conservation. Graphical Abstract