Biobased Multilayer Flexible Packaging with Enhanced Gas Barrier Properties due to Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs)
| Authors: | Jingxuan Zhang, Yirou Wang, Darien Anders Dewar, Akshat Verma, Nazmul Haque, Ronaldo Franjul, Nicole M. Stark, Chelsea S. Davis, Jeffrey P. Youngblood |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Forest Products Laboratory |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.4c03954 |
| Source: | ACS Applied Polymer Materials |
Abstract
In this study, a transparent trilayer film was successfully fabricated using blade coating and hot roll lamination techniques, comprising outer layers of polylactic acid (PLA) and an inner layer of a highly shear-oriented cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/ poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The CNC/PVA coating, with a thickness ranging from 5 to 6 μm and exhibiting a high degree of CNC alignment, significantly enhanced the oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier properties, surpassing PLA by several hundred-fold. Furthermore, these laminates were formed into bags, where a fruit storage test showed that PLA-CNC/PVA−PLA could extend the shelf life of fresh apple slices based on weight loss and enzymatic browning. This research showcases the potential of CNC-based coatings integrated with biodegradable polymer films to produce high-performance packaging materials, offering a promising, scalable process.