Fabrication and Characterization of Cellulose Grafted Glycidyl Methacrylate-Based Film for Food Packaging

The use of persistent plastic in food packaging continues to raise practical and environmental concerns, prompting interest in biodegradable alternatives derived from biomass. In this work, cellulose derived from coconut dregs was used as a film-forming material. The cellulose was isolated using a combination of chemical and ultrasonic treatments, followed by grafting with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Citronella oil (CitO) was incorporated at different loadings to produce GraftCell/CitO0.15, GraftCell/CitO0.6, and GraftCell/CitO1.2 films. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed grafting, while structural changes were reflected in an increase in the crystallinity index from 10.55% to 16.04%. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis further revealed a shift in the onset degradation temperature from 254.6°C (Cell) to 369.6°C (GraftCell), with a maximum decomposition temperature reaching 477.8°C, indicating improvement of thermal resistance after modification. The mechanical response varied depending on CitO content. The GraftCell/CitO1.2 film exhibited a tensile strength and elongation at break of 25.63 MPa and 21%, respectively. Approximately three times higher than that of the untreated cellulose film. Shelf-life testing revealed that grapes wrapped with the GraftCell/CitO1.2 film remained visually acceptable for up to 9 days, compared to conventional plastic packaging (ony 5 days). Indicating an approximate 80% improvement in preservation performance. These findings highlight the potential of the GraftCell/CitO1.2 film as a sustainable biodegradable packaging material.