Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanofiber/poly-vinyl alcohol (CNF/PVA) nanocomposites for gas barrier applications in paper packaging

The development of nanocomposite film from nanocellulose in polymer matrix for packaging has gained great attention due to its various applications. This paper aimed to utilize cellulose nanofiber (CNF) from micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) made from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) which were composed with poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) for gas barrier applications on paper packaging. The chemical treatment was used to produce MFC from OPEFB. The MFC was then mixed with water to become homogenized and mechanically treated with an ultra turrax homogenizer for 6 h to produce CNF. The nanocomposites were prepared by mixing PVA and CNF with a magnetic stirrer followed by sonication to homogenize the solution with blending ratios of CNF/PVA were 10:90 and 20:80 (%v/v). The nanocomposites were then measured for their viscosity and characterized by FTIR, SEM, and zeta potential. Based on the results, this composite was formed and has a viscosity of 19.41 and 32.55 cP for blending ratios of 20:80 and 10:90 (%v/v), respectively. In addition, FTIR results showed that the blending of CNF/PVA has formed a composite. The zeta potential values of CNF/PVA were −27.5 mV and −28.6 mV for blending ratios of 20:80 and 10:90 indicating that the CNF/PVA is well dispersed and stable. The blended composite was finally coated on A4 size paper using the bar coating method to obtain a transparent film layer and the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) was 1395.91 and 1294.82 g/(m2 0.24 h) for blending CNF/PVA ratios of 20:80 and 10:90 (v/v%), respectively.