Synthesis of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Chitosan Composite Film using Nanocellulose from Coconut Fibers (Cocos nucifera)

In this research, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan composite films were produced using nanocellulose from coconut fibers (Cocos nucifera) in an Indonesian plantation in order to enhance mechanical properties and biodegradability. The process began by separating lignin and hemicellulose by delignification, bleaching, and then cellulose hydrolysis to produce nanocellulose. The PVA was mixed with chitosan with specific compositions and added the nanocellulose in 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% concentrations, respectively. A tensile test was conducted to obtain tensile strength and elongation break. Biodegradability test was also carried out to determine the level of mass losses. Based on SEM observations, addition of nanocellulose appears to increase the reactivity of the formation of PVA-chitosan composite films, which are characterized by a reduction in film thickness. Addition of 5% nanocellulose resulted in a high quality of nano-composite. The tensile strength, fracture elongation and biodegradability of the composite film were 31.50 MPa, 39.9% and 9.04%, respectively.