Biodegradable Carboxymethyl Cellulose Films Modified by Polyvinyl Alcohol and Cellulose Nanowhiskers:(1) Structural and Physical Properties

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) blend film, containing 0-10% cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW), was produced through casting method, while physical properties of the films being investigated. CMC-PVOH-CNW nanocomposites, were prepared with a diluted suspension of cellulose nanowhiskers. Nanowhiskers suspension was prepared through acid hydrolysis of cotton linter by sulfuric acid and contained rod like particles, averaging lengths of 240 nm and diameters of 13 nm. A 6.86% reduction in total moisture absorbency was achieved by a 10% Wt PVOH addition to the CMC film. Ultimate break tensile strength and strain increased by 19.25% and 12.21%, respectively, through an addition of 10% Wt of PVOH. X-ray diffraction (XRD) test revealed uniform distribution of nanoparticles in biopolymer matrix. The addition of 10% Wt cellulose nanowhiskers decreased the moisture absorption of the blend film while increasing the ultimate tensile strength of the film by 17.65% vs. 47.05%, respectively.