Sustainable Packaging Film From Chitosan Reinforced With Rice Husk Cellulose Nanocrystals

ABSTRACT The development of biodegradable packaging films for the preservation of food and agricultural products is gaining significant attention due to the environmental issues associated with synthetic and conventional materials. This study focuses on the development of chitosan (CS) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) films, derived from rice husk, in various ratios (100CS:0CNC, 80CS:20CNC, 60CS:40CNC, 40CS:60CNC, 20CS:80CNC and 0CS:100CNC w/w). The films were produced using the solvent casting technique, and their properties were characterised. The results indicated that the addition of CNC significantly increased the opacity and thickness of the films. The degree of swelling in the CS‐CNC films decreased as CNC content increased, which was consistent with the films' solubility behaviour. The water vapour permeability of the CS‐CNC films ranged from 1.27 to 2.50 g‐mm/kPa‐h‐m 2 . The tensile strength of the films increased with higher CNC content, reaching 18.32 MPa for the 40CS:60CNC composition and 19.85 MPa for the 20CS:80CNC composition, compared to 12.76 MPa for the 100CS:0CNC film. However, increasing CNC content led to a decrease in elongation at break and an increase in the elastic modulus, indicating reduced flexibility. Additionally, the incorporation of CNC improved the thermal stability of the films. The interaction between CS and CNC was confirmed through FT‐IR spectra. Principal component analysis identified the 40CS:60CNC composition as the optimal formulation for CS‐CNC film production. Therefore, the 40CS:60CNC film demonstrates potential for use in food packaging and as an alternative coating material for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of food and agricultural products.