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<p>The utilization of locally available raw materials, along with appropriate modifications and reinforcement strategies, is important for the development of flexible films and addressing the challenges of plastic pollution. Nanocellulose has shown exceptional reinforcing properties in nanocomposite systems and can be safely applied in food-contact materials following international regulatory standards. Therefore, this study was designed to develop guar gum (GG)-based films by incorporating sawdust-derived cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) to overcome GG’s inherent drawbacks, including low mechanical strength, high water sensitivity and poor barrier performance, thus enhancing its physicochemical and barrier performance. The prepared CNFs exhibited a yield of 43.6%, with 94.2% purity and a crystallinity of 42.7%. Different concentrations of CNFs (1%, 2.5%, and 5%) were reinforced into the GG matrix and the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the resulting bio-nanocomposite films were evaluated. The CNFs reinforcement significantly improved the brightness and transparency (<i>L*</i> = 92.45) and thickness from 0.06&#xa0;mm to 0.12&#xa0;mm. In contrast, the moisture content (10.6% to 4.4%) and swelling index (101.4% to 32.7%) were significantly reduced compared to the control films. Addition of CNFs also resulted in a significant decrease in water vapour permeability, reducing from 1.06 × 10⁻⁸ to 2.41 × 10⁻⁹ g·m⁻¹·h⁻¹·Pa⁻¹, suggesting improved resistance to moisture diffusion in the composite films. Furthermore, CNFs reinforcement significantly increased the tensile strength (from 23.36 to 66.48&#xa0;MPa) and Young’s modulus (from 180 to 1270&#xa0;MPa) of the films, while the elongation at break decreased from 25.24% to 16.44% compared with the control films. The film retained structural integrity during the initial exposure period and underwent complete biodegradation in soil within 30 days, indicating its potential applicability in biodegradable food packaging systems. Overall, the findings suggest that GG/CNF films are promising, safe and effective materials for sustainable food packaging applications.</p>

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Development of food packaging films using guar gum and cellulose nanofibrils derived from sawdust to improve their tensile strength, stiffness and water vapour barrier properties

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月12日

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  • Muhammad Asif Asghar,
  • Fariha Ibrahim,
  • Asher Benjamin Daniel,
  • Labina Baig,
  • Ayesha Jamal,
  • Syeda Fatima Shakaib,
  • Rida Imam,
  • Farman Ahmed

摘要

The utilization of locally available raw materials, along with appropriate modifications and reinforcement strategies, is important for the development of flexible films and addressing the challenges of plastic pollution. Nanocellulose has shown exceptional reinforcing properties in nanocomposite systems and can be safely applied in food-contact materials following international regulatory standards. Therefore, this study was designed to develop guar gum (GG)-based films by incorporating sawdust-derived cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) to overcome GG’s inherent drawbacks, including low mechanical strength, high water sensitivity and poor barrier performance, thus enhancing its physicochemical and barrier performance. The prepared CNFs exhibited a yield of 43.6%, with 94.2% purity and a crystallinity of 42.7%. Different concentrations of CNFs (1%, 2.5%, and 5%) were reinforced into the GG matrix and the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the resulting bio-nanocomposite films were evaluated. The CNFs reinforcement significantly improved the brightness and transparency (L* = 92.45) and thickness from 0.06 mm to 0.12 mm. In contrast, the moisture content (10.6% to 4.4%) and swelling index (101.4% to 32.7%) were significantly reduced compared to the control films. Addition of CNFs also resulted in a significant decrease in water vapour permeability, reducing from 1.06 × 10⁻⁸ to 2.41 × 10⁻⁹ g·m⁻¹·h⁻¹·Pa⁻¹, suggesting improved resistance to moisture diffusion in the composite films. Furthermore, CNFs reinforcement significantly increased the tensile strength (from 23.36 to 66.48 MPa) and Young’s modulus (from 180 to 1270 MPa) of the films, while the elongation at break decreased from 25.24% to 16.44% compared with the control films. The film retained structural integrity during the initial exposure period and underwent complete biodegradation in soil within 30 days, indicating its potential applicability in biodegradable food packaging systems. Overall, the findings suggest that GG/CNF films are promising, safe and effective materials for sustainable food packaging applications.