Progress 04/15/18 to 04/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Forest landowners, pulp mills, paper and paperboard manufacturers and converters, packaging, plastic blenders Plastic packaging causes plastic contamination and pollution. These stakeholders look for alternative biobased packaging materials with compatible performance to plastics. Forest based stakeholders would expand the use of wood, increase the revenue to compensate forest management costs, and reduce fuels and wildfires. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Cong Chen received a Ph.D. in Bioproducts Engineering from the University of Maine, School of Forest Resources. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Conferences UV-light Protection Cellulose Nanocrystals Films Prepared through Trivalent Metal Ions, Cong Chen, Lu Wang, Jinwu Wang, Douglas Gardner, Proceedings of the 62nd International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology October 20-25, 2019 - Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite, California USA Cellulose Nanocrystals vs Cellulose Nanofibrils: Which One Performs Better in Flexible, Biodegradable and Multilayer Films for Food Packaging? Lu Wang, Proceedings of the 62nd International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology October 20-25, 2019 - Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite, California USA Barrier Properties of Multilayer Films of CNMs and Polymers Jinwu Wang, U.S. Forest Products Laboratory; Lu Wang, Cong Chen, Douglass Gardner, University of Maine, 2019 International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials, Chiba, Japan June 3-7, 2019 Barrier Properties of Multilayer Films of CNMs and polymers - Jinwu Wang, Industrial Liaison Committee Meeting Alliance for Pulp and Paper Technology Innovation and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, May 21-22, 2019 Cellulose Nanocrystals Coatings on Poly (lactic acid) Film for Food Packaging Applications, Cong Chen, Douglas Gardner, Jinwu Wang, Proceedings of the 64th International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology, August 1-6, 2021 - Flagstaff, Arizona, USA Developing Nanostructured Biobased Nanocellulose Polymer Films for Improved Food Packaging, Cong Chen, Lu Wang, Jinwu Wang, Douglass Gardner, Poster of 3 rd GRC Nanoscale Science and Engineering for Agriculture and Food Systems, June 19-24, 2022 - Manchester, New Hampshire, USA What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Food packaging provides means to mitigate food spoilage caused by microbes and environmental exposure, as well as prolonging the shelf life of food products in a cost-effective manner that industry and consumers desire while minimizing environmental impact. However, conventional plastics are unsustainable, nonrenewable, and nondegradable, and coupled with single-use culture can cause serious environmental pollution and the loss of resources. Taking the above issues into consideration, bio-based materials with required properties are desirable to address the end-of-life issues for packaging. Cellulose nanomaterial (CNM) films were prepared by suspension casting. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films were denser (~1.4 g/cm3) than cellulose nanofibril (CNF) films (1.1-1.3 g/cm3). The density of the CNM films increased with the basis weight. The CNC films were optically clearer than the CNF films. Moreover, the CNM films were laminated with polypropylene films (PP) using a polyurethane (PU) adhesive tie layer to form flexible multilayer packaging films with a structure of PP/PU/CNMs/PU/PP. The CNC and CNF laminates containing thicker CNM films had similar maximum tensile strength as control PP/PU laminates. The lamination significantly improved the barrier properties of the resulting laminates as compared with the neat films. For example, the water vapor transmission rate dropped from 540 to 1.0 g/(m2·day) and the oxygen transmission rate at 80% RH decreased from 109 to 5.3 cm3/(m2·day). In addition, laminating PU with CNF films improved the transparency of the CNF films. We have also designed film structures and selected polymers to meet expected barrier specifications and sustainability requirements as well as developed processing strategies to manufacture multilayer films. Cellulose nanomaterials (CNM)films were laminated with polypropylene (PP) film using a polyurethane (PU) adhesive tie layer to form flexible multilayer film packaging. The physical properties of the CNM films indicated that CNC films were denser (1.4 g/cm3) than CNF films (1.1-1.3 g/cm3). Casting weight affected the densities of the CNM films and this effect was material-type dependent. Optical property evaluation showed that the CNC films were clearer than the CNF films. Laminating CNF films with PU improved the transparency of the CNF films. Mechanical test results showed that CNC and CNF laminates containing thicker CNM films had similar maximum tensile strength as the control PP/PU laminates. Laminating CNM films with PP and PU significantly improved the barrier properties of the CNM films. For example, the water vapor transmission rate of CNC film dropped from 516 to 1.0 g/(m2·day). The oxygen transmission rate of CNC film at 80 % RH decreased from 126 to 6.1 cm3/(m2·day). The following four points have been highlighted 1. A CNF film is a better barrier material than a CNC film at 80 % RH, 2. CNMs maintain their high oxygen resistance at 80 % RH after being laminated with PP. 3. Adhesive layers should be used to retain a laminate's performance at 80 % RH. 4. An adhesive layer can increase the transparency of CNF films after lamination The results indicate that lamination structures of cellulose and polymers improve both oxygen and water vapor barrier properties and have potential to be used as barrier packaging materials. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), as a major type of cellulose nanomaterials are directly extracted from renewable biomass resources and have tremendous potential in the packaging field as a natural material. However, CNC films are too brittle to use singly and extremely sensitive to moisture or water, which restricts the practical use of CNCs in food packaging applications. Environmentally friendly CNC films with high performance were fabricated as a promising substitute for plastic food packaging. We thoroughly studied the water vapor sorption behaviors and gas transport of the CNC films. CNC films adsorbed more moisture with increases in relative humidity (RH) and temperature, respectively. The oxygen permeability of CNC films exhibited an exponential increase above 50% RH. We successfully developed transparent CNC films with UV-light absorption, water and oxygen barrier properties, oil resistance, and fire self-extinguishment via trivalent metal ion exchange. We also prepared functional CNC films by incorporating different concentrations of sorbitol, polyvinyl alcohol, carrageenan, chitin nanofibers. The films exhibit good oxygen barrier, mechanical properties, and water durability. Additionally, we manufactured multilayer PLA-CNC-PLA films by mixing CNC suspensions with 15 wt.% polyvinyl alcohol or carrageenan CG coating on PLA substrate, followed by lamination without any petroleum-based tie layer or adhesive addition. These three-layer laminate films exhibited enhanced barrier properties and the PLA film protected the inner CNC film from water and mechanical damage. This research provides practical concepts for commercially eco-friendly, recyclable, high performance food packaging production. Besides the publications listed below, three additional publications will be submitted from Cong Chen's Ph.D. dissertation.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Wang, J., Bousfield, D.W., Cai, Z., Gardner, D.J., Hahmann, T., Shaler, S.M., Zwick, K., 2021a. Broadening cellulose-based packaging into plastic packaging markets, in: Proceedings of the 64th International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology. Presented at the 64th International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology, Little America Hotel, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA, pp. 117123.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Wang, J., Wang, L., Gardner, D.J., Shaler, S.M., Cai, Z., 2021b. Towards a cellulose-based society: opportunities and challenges. Cellulose 28, 45114543. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-021-03771-4
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Chen, C. 2023. DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD PACKAGING FILMS BASED ON CELLULOSE NANOCRYSTALS (CNCs), Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Maine, School of Forest Resources (Bioproducts Engineering), 140 p.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Chen, C., Sun, W., Wang, L., Tajvidi, M., Wang, J., Gardner, D.J., 2022. Transparent Multifunctional Cellulose Nanocrystal Films Prepared Using Trivalent Metal Ion Exchange for Food Packaging. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Hasan, I., Wang, J., Tajvidi, M., 2021. Tuning physical, mechanical and barrier properties of cellulose nanofibril films through film drying techniques coupled with thermal compression. Cellulose 28, 1134511366.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Wang, L., Chen, C., Wang, J., Gardner, D.J., Tajvidi, M., 2020. Cellulose nanofibrils versus cellulose nanocrystals: Comparison of performance in flexible multilayer films for packaging applications. Food Packaging and Shelf Life 23, 100464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fpsl.2020.100464
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Wang, L., Kelly, P.V., Ozveren, N., Zhang, X., Korey, M., Chen, C., Li, K., Bhandari, S., Tekinalp, H., Zhao, X., Wang, J., Seydibeyo?lu, M.�., Alyamac-Seydibeyoglu, E., Gramlich, W.M., Tajvidi, M., Webb, E., Ozcan, S., Gardner, D.J., 2022. Multifunctional polymer composite coatings and adhesives by incorporating cellulose nanomaterials. Matter. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2022.11.024
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Progress 04/15/21 to 04/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Researchers in the profession through publication of a paper inACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Changes/Problems:The project is set to finish in April 2023. We plan to complete the research project and the graduate student will prepare a dissertation from the work. It is envisioned that at least 2additional papers will be prepared from the results of the work. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The graduate student employed on this project completed candidacy requirements for the PhD degree in Forest Resources. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?One peer reviewed jounral article and two conference presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Finding the reinforcement effect on barrier and mechanical properties of CNC films by different additives with various concentrations of the additivesD-sorbitol, PVA, chitin nanofibers, carrageenan.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period, except for barrier properties, the morphology and properties of CNC coating systems and polylactic acid (PLA)/CNC laminated films were fully estimated. For examples, viscosity, surface tension, mechanical properties, morphology of surface and cross section film, etc. PLA film could protect inner fragile CNC layer under force and water destroying. On the other hand, CNC endow great oxygen barrier property to PLA film. The synergetic effort of laminated films showed much more potential for food packaging application. Additionally, the compatibility issue between CNC and PLA film during coating processing could be figured out by adding proper additives, such as poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) or carrageenan. We are analyzing data and preparing an article for a peer reviewed journal. The moisture-related behaviors of CNC films were measured and compared by dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), including adsorption and desorption isotherms, water vapor diffusion coefficients, and water vapor transmission rates, at different relative humidity levels (0-90%) and temperatures (5, 23 and 50 °C). Moreover, the oxygen barrier properties of the CNC films were investigated from 0 to 85% RH. A detailed analysis of water vapor sorption and barrier properties of the CNC films under different conditions will be addressed in this section.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Chen C, Sun W, Wang L, Tajvidi M, Wang J, Gardner D. Transparent Multifunctional Cellulose Nanocrystal Films Prepared using Trivalent Metal Ion Exchange for Food Packaging. 2022. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Cellulose Nanocrystals Coatings on Poly (lactic acid) Film for Food Packaging Applications, Cong Chen, Douglas Gardner, Jinwu Wang, Proceedings of the 64th International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology, August 1-6, 2021 Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Developing Nanostructured Biobased Nanocellulose Polymer Films for Improved Food Packaging
Cong Chen, Lu Wang, Jinwu Wang, Douglass Gardner, Poster of 3rd GRC Nanoscale Science and Engineering for Agriculture and Food Systems, June 19-24, 2022 Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
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Progress 04/15/19 to 04/14/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Forest landowners, pulp mills, paper and paperboard manufacturers and converters, packaging producers, plastic blenders. Plastic packaging causes plastic contamination and pollution. These stakeholders look for alternative biobased packaging materials with compatible performance to plastics. Forest-based stakeholders would expand the use of wood, increase the revenue to compensate forest management costs, and reduce fuels and wildfires. Changes/Problems:The COVID-19 issue has impacted the laboratory work for this project. Our lab was closed from mid-March and recently re-opened on a limited basis in mid-June. We are somewhat behind and will be formally asking for a no cost extension on the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A graduate student and postdoctoral research associate have learned biobased barrier packaging materials concerning their requirements, specifications, design, processing, and performance evaluation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Conferences UV-light Protection Cellulose Nanocrystals Films Prepared through Trivalent Metal Ions, Cong Chen, Lu Wang, Jinwu Wang, Douglas Gardner, Proceedings of the 62nd International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology October 20-25, 2019 - Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite, California USA Cellulose Nanocrystals vs Cellulose Nanofibrils: Which One Performs Better in Flexible, Biodegradable and Multilayer Films for Food Packaging? Lu Wang, Proceedings of the 62nd International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology October 20-25, 2019 - Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite, California USA Barrier Properties of Multilayer Films of CNMs and Polymers Jinwu Wang, U.S. Forest Products Laboratory; Lu Wang, Cong Chen, Douglass Gardner, University of Maine, 2019 International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials, Chiba, Japan June 3-7, 2019 Barrier Properties of Multilayer Films of CNMs and polymers - Jinwu Wang, Industrial Liaison Committee Meeting Alliance for Pulp and Paper Technology Innovation and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, May 21-22, 2019 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue accomplishing the objectives Develop synergistic means to improve the barrier properties of nanocellulose films o Improve barrier performance of films through the control of counterions and functional group charges on the nanocellulose (80% done) o Find additives to reinforce nanocellulose films for the improvement of barrier and mechanical properties Design and fabricate polymer/nanocellulose multilayer films with excellent barrier properties under the guidance of sustainability principles Design film structures and select polymers to meet expected barrier specifications and sustainability requirements (60% done) Develop processing strategies to manufacture multilayer films (50% done) Develop nanocellulose/chitin nanofibril polyelectrolyte multilayer films using layer-by-layer assembly for the production of compostable barrier films (10% done)
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period, we have improved barrier performance of films through the control of counterions and functional group charges on the nanocellulose. To better preserve food from the effects of oxygen, moisture, and (light) UV radiation, typical polymer film packaging is opaque or metallized. There is increasing consumer demand for transparent packaging, or a transparent viewing window to allow viewing of food prior to consumer purchase. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) show great potential for transparent food packaging, and can provide good oxygen permeation resistance, but CNCs are poor in preventing water vapor and UV light transmission. To overcome these disadvantages, CNC dispersions were treated with trivalent metal ions (Al3+, Fe3+) under different concentrations, respectively. It was observed that the trivalent ions rendered CNCs flocculated in the dispersions indicating they might crosslink CNCs through the coordination between them and sulfate half-ester groups of the CNCs. Homogeneous, transparent and flexible CNC films were prepared by solvent casting. CNC films exhibit high UV absorption properties. In addition, the water vapor transmission rate of the cross-linked films was decreased, and the water durability of the films was improved. We have also designed film structures and selected polymers to meet expected barrier specifications and sustainability requirements as well as developed processing strategies to manufacture multilayer films. Cellulose nanomaterials (CNM) films were laminated with polypropylene (PP) film using a polyurethane (PU) adhesive tie layer to form flexible multilayer film packaging. The physical properties of the CNM films indicated that CNC films were denser (∼1.4 g/cm3) than CNF films (1.1-1.3?g/cm3). Casting weight affected the densities of the CNM films and this effect was material-type dependent. Optical property evaluation showed that the CNC films were clearer than the CNF films. Laminating CNF films with PU improved the transparency of the CNF films. Mechanical test results showed that CNC and CNF laminates containing thicker CNM films had similar maximum tensile strength as the control PP/PU laminates. Laminating CNM films with PP and PU significantly improved the barrier properties of the CNM films. For example, the water vapor transmission rate of CNC film dropped from 516 to 1.0 g/(m2·day). The oxygen transmission rate of CNC film at 80 % RH decreased from 126 to 6.1 cm3/(m2·day). The following four points have been highlighted A CNF film is a better barrier material than a CNC film at 80 % RH, CNMs maintain their high oxygen resistance at 80 % RH after being laminated with PP. Adhesive layers should be used to retain a laminate's performance at 80 % RH. An adhesive layer can increase the transparency of CNF films after lamination The results indicate that lamination structures of cellulose and polymers improve both oxygen and water vapor barrier properties and have potential to be used as barrier packaging materials.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Wang L, Chen C, Wang J, et al (2020) Cellulose nanofibrils versus cellulose nanocrystals: Comparison of performance in flexible multilayer films for packaging applications. Food Packaging and Shelf Life 23:100464
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