Development and characterization of cellulose nanofibre reinforced Acacia nilotica gum nanocomposite

摘要

Acacia nilotica (babul gum) reinforced with cellulose nanofibers was investigated for a green, biodegradable, and water-soluble nanocomposite. Cellulose nanofibres (CNF) were extracted via a widely accepted steam explosion process and were reinforced in the babul gum. The films were fabricated by solution casting method using sorbitol as a plasticizer. Various concentrations of the CNF reinforced in babul gum exhibited improved properties of mechanical strength, thermal properties, and wetting strength. The lowered hydrophilicity and enhanced mechanical properties will certainly open new doors to explore these nanocomposites for bio-edible coatings and pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, qualitative and real-life experiments shred light for use in coating applications.