Using Cellulose Nanofibril from Sugarcane Bagasse as an Eco-Friendly Ductile Reinforcement in Starch Films for Packaging

Thayrine Silva Matos Ribeiro, Caio Cesar Nemer Martins, Mário Vanoli Scatolino (), Matheus Cordazzo Dias, Adriano Reis Prazeres Mascarenhas, Cecilia Baldoino Ferreira, Maria Lucia Bianchi and Gustavo Henrique Denzin Tonoli
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Thayrine Silva Matos Ribeiro: Department of Forest Science, Federal University of Lavras—UFLA, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
Caio Cesar Nemer Martins: Department of Forest Science, Federal University of Viçosa—UFV, Viçosa 36570-081, Brazil
Mário Vanoli Scatolino: Department of Forest Science, State University of Amapá—UEAP, Macapá 68900-030, Brazil
Matheus Cordazzo Dias: Department of Forest Science, State University of Amapá—UEAP, Macapá 68900-030, Brazil
Adriano Reis Prazeres Mascarenhas: Department of Forest Engineering, Federal University of Rondônia—UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76940-000, Brazil
Cecilia Baldoino Ferreira: Chemistry Department, Federal University of Lavras—UFLA, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
Maria Lucia Bianchi: Chemistry Department, Federal University of Lavras—UFLA, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
Gustavo Henrique Denzin Tonoli: Department of Forest Science, Federal University of Lavras—UFLA, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: Attempts have been made to replace conventional plastics in food packaging with biodegradable materials as a promising alternative because they are natural, renewable, and low-cost. This study aimed to develop biodegradable and resistant films from cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from sugarcane bagasse when used as reinforcement in starch films. Sugarcane bagasse pulps were subjected to alkaline treatment, with the residual lignin remaining. Part of the material was subjected to a bleaching process with H 2 O 2 . The pulps were subjected to the mechanical fibrillation process, and unbleached and bleached CNFs were produced. Percentages of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% CNF were added to a solution containing 2.5% starch ( m / m ) solids to make the films. The addition of unbleached CNF promoted an average increase in the tensile strength and Young’s modulus values, especially for films with higher percentages of CNF (30% and 50%). The contact angle values increased with the CNF concentration, with all films being classified as hydrophobic (>90°), except for the films with 30% and 50% unbleached CNF. The 50% unbleached and bleached CNF samples showed low water vapor permeability (2.17 g.mm/Kpa −1 day −1 m 2 ), indicating a good vapor barrier. Although the influence of residual lignin on the test results was not identified for the other samples, treatments with 50% CNF of sugarcane bagasse (unbleached or bleached) should be highlighted among the properties evaluated for reinforcing the structure and improving the barrier properties of cassava starch-based films. Furthermore, this study proposes using sugarcane bagasse, which is a waste widely available in Brazil, placing the study in line with three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords: biocomposite; ecological packaging; cellulose nanofibrils; barrier properties; agricultural wastes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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