Arrowroot Based Nanocomposite Films: Properties, Applications, and Sustainability Prospects: A Review

This review draws attention to the innovative use of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) fiber as a unique and underutilized biomass source for nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)-based nanocomposites, presenting a noteworthy alternative to extensively researched materials like wood pulp, bacterial cellulose, and chemically modified NCCs. In contrast to traditional sources, arrowroot possesses a naturally elevated cellulose and diminished lignin content, facilitating more effective NCC extraction requiring reduced chemical input and enabling environmentally friendly processing techniques. The review evaluates the performance of arrowroot-derived nanocomposites against systems documented in the literature, including NCC-based shape memory composites and nanoparticle-reinforced films, demonstrating enhanced tensile strength, improved moisture barrier properties, and thermal stability, as well as potential piezoelectric response. This study recognizes arrowroot as a viable option in the biomass-based nanocellulose sector, providing ecological and functional benefits while tackling significant issues such as process scalability and feedstock variability, thereby offering important insights for the advancement of sustainable materials.