Isolation, Characterization, and Application of Nanocellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber as Nanocomposites

Abstract EN

Nanocomposites, consisting of a polymeric matrix and nanosized elements as reinforcement, have attracted significant scientific attention because of their high mechanical performance.

A large variety of nanocomposites have been prepared using bio-based materials as a matrix and nanoreinforcement, so that it can reduce the dependence on nondegradable products and move to a sustainable materials basis.

The objective of this study was to isolate nanocellulose from empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber and their reinforcing effect on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch blend films.

A series of PVA/starch films with different content of nanocellulose were prepared by solution casting method.

Nanocellulose fiber with diameters ranging from 4 to 15 nm has been successfully prepared.

On the other hand, PVA/starch films reinforced with nanocellulose fiber possess significantly improved properties compared to unreinforced film.

From the results, PVA/starch films with the addition of 5% (v/v) of nanocellulose exhibited best combination of properties.

This nanocomposite was found to have tensile strength at about 5.694 MPa and elongation at break was 481.85%.

In addition to good mechanical properties, this nanocomposite has good water resistance and biodegradability.