Implementation of High Gas Barrier Laminated Films Based on Cellulose Nanocrystals for Food Flexible Packaging

In this work, three types of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were used: CNCSO3H extracted from wood pulp by sulfuric acid (H2SO4), CNCCOOH extracted from cotton linters by ammonium persulfate (APS) and CNCCOOR obtained by esterification of the previous two CNCCOOH and CNCSO3H. For a comparative assessment of gas barrier performance, plastic films such as PLA, PET, PE, PP, OPP and OPA were selected, coated with the three types of CNCs and finally laminated with a solvent-based polyurethanic adhesive. First, all dispersed CNCs were characterized by apparent hydrodynamic diameter and Z potential by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) techniques, respectively, followed by the crystallinity index (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and evaluation of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as the charges density. The surface chemistry of coated plastics (CNCs-P) was assessed by the Z potential through the electrokinetic technique (streaming potential method) and the optical contact angle (OCA). Lastly, laminated films (P-CNC-P) were evaluated by gas permeability measurements at 23 °C and 50–80% RH. It is worth noting that improvements between 90% and 100% of oxygen barrier were achieved after the lamination. This paper provides insights on the choice of cellulosic nanomaterials for the design and development of advanced and sustainable food packaging materials.