Utilização de quitosana, celulose nanofibrilada e óleo essencial de gengibre (Zingiber Officinale L.) para o desenvolvimento de filmes nanocompósitos

Abstract

Most of the products in our daily lives are petroleum-based materials. However, using petroleum has impacted the conservation and sustainability of the planet, especially considering shelf life and post consumption. Thus, based on a perspective of waste reuse, this study proposes a new possibility for this daily reality through the use of raw materials from the fishing and the cellulose industry. We developed nanocomposite films of chitosan (Q), nanofibrillated cellulose (NF) and ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale L.) (OEG). The components of the ginger essential oil were identified using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The polymer matrix (Q), reinforcement (NF), oil (OEG), and nanocomposite films were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The microstructural evaluation of the films was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The degradation studies of the nanocomposite films were carried out by artificial degradation in accelerated aging chamber and biodegradation in simulated soil. The mechanical properties (tensile strength and modulus of elasticity) and physical properties (moisture, water vapor permeability, and optical properties) of the films were also analyzed. The chromatographic results of the oil identified zingiberene as the major component. The contribution of the constituents was observed by means of TG and FTIR analysis. SEM results showed that the nanocomposite films presents absence of phase separation, besides being compact and with good filling effect, which is a positive factor in the improvement of mechanical resistance. The addition of nanofibrillated cellulose and ginger essential oil increased the blockade to water vapor. The tensile strength showed higher efficiency in the nanocomposite films that present maximum concentration of chitosan. However, it was not observed for elasticity. The transparency of the films was decreased with the addition of chitosan, nanofibrillated cellulose and/or ginger essential oil. Nanocomposite films showed high biodegradability. Homogeneity and transparency are present in the composites and are essential characteristics for which the films can act as food packaging. The study showed the individual and interaction potential of the constituent materials of the nanocomposite films. As a result, they become promising for the production of non-polluting packaging.