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Valorization of Agricultural By-products: Nanocellulose Barrier Films for Sustainable Food Packaging

Verma, Sreshtha LU (2025) MTTM01 20251
Packaging Logistics
Abstract
This research characterized the barrier properties and transport mechanisms of multilayer films comprising polylactide (PLA), chitosan, and nanocelluloses extracted from agricultural by-products. The investigation employed complementary analytical techniques to evaluate water vapor and oxygen transport behavior, comparing cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) derived from corn and other agricultural sources within multilayer architectures ranging from 5-10 layers.
Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) analysis under controlled conditions revealed distinct moisture uptake hierarchies (CNF > CNC > PLA), with cellulose nanomaterials exhibiting 27-39% higher equilibrium moisture content than neat PLA due to their hygroscopic... (More)
This research characterized the barrier properties and transport mechanisms of multilayer films comprising polylactide (PLA), chitosan, and nanocelluloses extracted from agricultural by-products. The investigation employed complementary analytical techniques to evaluate water vapor and oxygen transport behavior, comparing cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) derived from corn and other agricultural sources within multilayer architectures ranging from 5-10 layers.
Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) analysis under controlled conditions revealed distinct moisture uptake hierarchies (CNF > CNC > PLA), with cellulose nanomaterials exhibiting 27-39% higher equilibrium moisture content than neat PLA due to their hygroscopic nature. However, extended back-face environmental testing over 720 hours under ambient humidity fluctuations (30-83% RH) demonstrated significantly reduced performance differentiation between formulations, indicating that environmental variability can dominate intrinsic material differences in practical applications.
Transport mechanisms analysis revealed coupled moisture-oxygen behavior, where hygroscopic nanocellulose components create preferential diffusion pathways through interfacial regions. Under dry conditions, dense CNF networks and crystalline CNC domains establish effective barriers through tortuous pathways. However, humidity exposure compromises oxygen barrier performance by disrupting hydrogen bonding networks and enabling plasticization effects.
The methodological comparison demonstrated that PreSens optical sensor technology exhibited reliability limitations, while back-face measurements provided robust long-term performance data (1500 hours for oxygen and 720 hours for water vapour) despite technical challenges. The research establishes that effective barrier property evaluation requires integrated approaches combining controlled laboratory characterization with extended environmental assessment to predict real-world multilayer biocomposite performance. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Scientists are transforming agricultural leftovers—corn husks, grape stems, coffee grounds—into sustainable food packaging that could revolutionize how we protect our groceries. By extracting nanocellulose (microscopic plant fibers) and blending it with compostable plastic (PLA), researchers create protective films that excel at blocking oxygen but face challenges with moisture absorption.
The team experimented with chitosan, a natural shellfish-derived binding agent, to improve how layers stick together. Testing revealed that real-world humidity conditions affect performance more dramatically than controlled lab environments suggest, highlighting the complexity of developing practical alternatives.
While these bio-based materials can't... (More)
Scientists are transforming agricultural leftovers—corn husks, grape stems, coffee grounds—into sustainable food packaging that could revolutionize how we protect our groceries. By extracting nanocellulose (microscopic plant fibers) and blending it with compostable plastic (PLA), researchers create protective films that excel at blocking oxygen but face challenges with moisture absorption.
The team experimented with chitosan, a natural shellfish-derived binding agent, to improve how layers stick together. Testing revealed that real-world humidity conditions affect performance more dramatically than controlled lab environments suggest, highlighting the complexity of developing practical alternatives.
While these bio-based materials can't yet match conventional plastic's water resistance, they represent significant progress toward reducing plastic pollution. The innovation transforms farm waste into valuable resources, supporting a circular economy where agricultural scraps gain new life as packaging materials. Though technical hurdles remain, this research establishes a promising foundation for creating truly sustainable packaging that protects food while helping the planet through renewable, compostable alternatives. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Verma, Sreshtha LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Agricultural Waste as a Circular Solution for Sustainable Plastic-Free Packaging
course
MTTM01 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Sustainable Packaging, Nanocellulose, Agricultural By- products, Barrier Properties, Multilayer Films, Bio-materials
language
English
id
9206396
date added to LUP
2025-06-30 16:16:43
date last changed
2025-06-30 16:16:43
@misc{9206396,
  abstract     = {{This research characterized the barrier properties and transport mechanisms of multilayer films comprising polylactide (PLA), chitosan, and nanocelluloses extracted from agricultural by-products. The investigation employed complementary analytical techniques to evaluate water vapor and oxygen transport behavior, comparing cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) derived from corn and other agricultural sources within multilayer architectures ranging from 5-10 layers.
Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) analysis under controlled conditions revealed distinct moisture uptake hierarchies (CNF > CNC > PLA), with cellulose nanomaterials exhibiting 27-39% higher equilibrium moisture content than neat PLA due to their hygroscopic nature. However, extended back-face environmental testing over 720 hours under ambient humidity fluctuations (30-83% RH) demonstrated significantly reduced performance differentiation between formulations, indicating that environmental variability can dominate intrinsic material differences in practical applications.
Transport mechanisms analysis revealed coupled moisture-oxygen behavior, where hygroscopic nanocellulose components create preferential diffusion pathways through interfacial regions. Under dry conditions, dense CNF networks and crystalline CNC domains establish effective barriers through tortuous pathways. However, humidity exposure compromises oxygen barrier performance by disrupting hydrogen bonding networks and enabling plasticization effects.
The methodological comparison demonstrated that PreSens optical sensor technology exhibited reliability limitations, while back-face measurements provided robust long-term performance data (1500 hours for oxygen and 720 hours for water vapour) despite technical challenges. The research establishes that effective barrier property evaluation requires integrated approaches combining controlled laboratory characterization with extended environmental assessment to predict real-world multilayer biocomposite performance.}},
  author       = {{Verma, Sreshtha}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Valorization of Agricultural By-products: Nanocellulose Barrier Films for Sustainable Food Packaging}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}