Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
department of Wood Science and Technology , Faculty of agriculture and natural resources ,University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2
Faculty member of University of Mahaghegh Ardabili, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Wood Science and Technology
3
Wood Science and Technology, Department of Forestry and Cellulosic Industries, Faculty of Natural Resources, Khatam Al-Anbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran
4
Wood Science and Technology, department of Wood Science and Technology , Faculty of agriculture and natural resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22034/ijwp.2025.2074743.1733
Abstract
Problem Statement and Objective
The excessive consumption of synthetic plastics in the packaging industry poses a major global environmental challenge. Due to their limited biodegradability, these materials contribute significantly to waste accumulation and environmental pollution. On the other hand, agricultural waste is an important, available and inexpensive resource for converting it into biodegradable products, helping to prevent its accumulation in nature, and providing appropriate added value for the production of new products. Sugarcane bagasse, a by-product of the sugar industry, is an abundant and low-cost resource in Iran that can serve as a sustainable raw material for producing biodegradable films. This study aims to produce and evaluate cellulose films derived from hypochlorite-bleached bagasse pulp obtained from Pars Paper Company (Haft-Tappeh) and to investigate their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties for potential application in sustainable packaging.
Materials and Methods
Hypochlorite-bleached bagasse pulp from Pars Paper Company (Haft-Tappeh), with a freeness of 350 CSF, brightness of 71%, and kappa number of 2, was used. The film production process involved alkalization with 20% sodium hydroxide, etherification with monochloroacetic acid, neutralization and washing with ethanol, preparation of a dope solution with a 6% weight concentration, followed by casting and coagulation in a 10% sulfuric acid bath. The produced films were characterized for mechanical properties, gas permeability, water vapor transmission rate, water contact angle, and degree of substitution according to ASTM standards.
Results
The resulting cellulose film exhibited a tensile strength of 64 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 2.8 GPa, indicating adequate mechanical strength for packaging applications. The water vapor transmission rate was 248 g/m²·day, and the moisture absorption was 7.7%. Gas permeability values for CO₂ and O₂ were 0.05 and 0.4 Barrer, respectively, reflecting low gas transmission. The degree of substitution of carboxyl groups in the dope solution was 1.4 mmol/g, and the percentage of undissolved fibers was 0.5%, confirming the quality and homogeneity of the prepared dope. The droplet contact angle of 72° indicates balanced hydrophilicity of the film surface.
Conclusion
Cellulose films produced from sugarcane bagasse present a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based polymer films for packaging applications. The films demonstrated moderate mechanical strength and barrier performance, making them suitable for various packaging uses. To enhance moisture resistance, surface coating or the incorporation of nanomaterials is recommended. Overall, this study highlights the potential of utilizing agricultural residues as renewable raw materials for developing sustainable packaging solutions, contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution caused by conventional plastics.
Keywords
Subjects
