PLASTICIZER POLYOLS/MFC FILMS PRODUCTION FOR SINGLE-USE PRIMARY FOOD PACKAGING

EHMAN, NANCI VANESA; PONCE DE LEÓN, AGUSTINA; FELISSIA, FERNANDO ESTEBAN; AREA, MARÍA CRISTINA

Congreso; XII Iberoamerican Congress on Pulp and Paper Research 2022 (CIADICYP); 2022

This study evaluated the changes in physical, mechanical, optical, and barrier properties of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) films whit food-grade polyols addition. MFC was obtained from pine sawdust pulp using a simple disk refiner. The films were acquired by solvent casting mixing 75%w/w MFC and 25% w/w of three polyols (sorbitol, mannitol, and glycerol) and dried at 50°C. The characterization included: physical-mechanical properties, optical behavior, and water vapor permeability (WVP). Finally, the aerobic biodegradation in soil of films was evaluated (15 days period). The visual appearance of films varied according to polyol applied (Figure 1.a). The combinations between MFC and sorbitol had a similar appearance to the control. In the case of the sample containing glycerol, the films mostly stuck to the Petri dishes, making it difficult to remove them. The films were sticky and ripped easily. The mannitol films were very brittle, and typical white spots of the polyol crystallization were observed in the framework. Significant differences were observed in the transmittance values at 600 nm of the films (p