Novel flexible, strong, thermal-stable, and high-barrier switchgrass-based lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils/chitosan biocomposites for food packaging

Chitosan/lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (CS/LCNF) biocomposites were prepared by a facile and green method that combined hydrothermal pretreatment, mechanical fibrillation, dry casting. LCNFs isolated from switchgrass with various lignin contents, their effects on the transparency, micromorphology, properties, interfacial compatibility, thermal stability, surface wettability, barrier properties of CS/LCNF comprehensively investigated. Their transparency was affected changing as well order degree cellulose. The hydrophobic micro/nano- particles optimum contents (33.8%) coated CNFs or embedded networks prompt dispersion LCNF in CS matrices enhance interaction LCNF. This synergistically improved stability biocomposites. CS/LCNF8 maintained ductility 503% showed tensile strength 46.7% higher than CS/CNF, Tmax WCA 2.6 °C 11.06° higher, respectively. Furthermore, displayed more competitive OTR (0.20 cc/(m2 day)) those pure chitosan, mechanically-fibrillated CNFs, carboxymethylated TEMPO-oxidized CNF/CS films at same ratio. study provides promising environmentally-friendly biocomposite outstanding comprehensive performance for food packaging.