Effect of Bagasse and Rice Straw Cellulose Nanofibers on Physico – Mechanical Properties of Alginate Nanocomposites Films

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N THIS STUDY, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were extracted from .. bagasse and rice straw and used in alginate films preparation for improving physico-mechanical properties of the prepared films. CNF/alginate nanocomposites films were prepared by blending CNF (2.5-25 wt.%) and alginate polymer in aqueous solution followed by casting and air drying. The nanocomposites films were characterized regarding their homogeneity using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile strength and modulus of elasticity (dry and wet), and water absorption. SEM images showed homogeneous distribution of both CNF in the alginate films. The modulus of elasticity was increased by about 40-970% and 100-436%, with the reinforcement of 2.5-25% CNF for both bagasse and rice straw, respectively. However, tensile strength was not noticeably affected. The addition of CNF remarkably improved wet tensile strength also. Adding CNF to alginate resulted in reducing water absorption of films.