Preparation of Nitrocellulose Nanoparticles and Its Application in Ethyl Cellulose Film as a Reinforcing Agent

ABSTRACT Ethyl cellulose (EC) films are biodegradable cellulose materials with a wide variety of possible applications because of their outstanding film‐forming qualities and customizable physicochemical characteristics. However, problems including low mechanical strength, poor chemical stability, and excessive usage of hazardous solvents limit their application in the industry. The use of nanofillers has been shown to be a tactic for improving ethyl cellulose's functioning to overcome these problems. In this study, nano‐sized aqueous dispersions of nitrocellulose (NC) with different nitrogen contents (13.1%, 12.6%, and 11.7%) were created using a solvent replacement technique that can eliminate organic solvents. The shape, chemical structure, thermal characteristics, moisture absorption, and mechanical performance of the composite films were all thoroughly examined utilizing SEM, FTIR, DSC, TGA, dynamic vapor sorption, and a universal testing apparatus. The activation energy of S‐NC(B)‐8 wt% was twice than the EC film, suggesting that the thermal disintegration temperature of the EC‐NC composite films was raised. The samples' mass loss was less than 6% following a 24‐h soak in water, indicating strong water resistance. The tensile strength of the EC‐NC composite films increased by up to 77% when compared to the EC film, which showed that the insertion of NC nanoparticles greatly increased the mechanical strength of the films.