Improving the properties of corn starch films for application as packaging material via reinforcement with microcrystalline cellulose synthesized from elephant grass

Nowadays, the development of biodegradable packaging materials from natural renewable sources has attained great attraction in the research field to mitigate environmental problems and the depletion of resources. In this regard, starch-based films are effective for food packaging due to their low cost and eco-friendliness. In the present study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was synthesized from elephant grass biomass and characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and TGA analysis. The prepared E-MCC was then employed as reinforcement in corn starch films to improve their properties, and the fabricated films were characterized using FTIR, FESEM, TGA, water contact angle, moisture content, and tensile strength testing. The addition of 1% E-MCC significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the films by increasing the peak degradation temperature from 312.3 (neat starch film) to 321 °C. The water contact angle value of the pure starch film was 19.52°, which increased to 98.83° with the incorporation of 5% E-MCC. The mechanical strength of the film increased from 6.03 MPa (neat film) to 22.33 MPa (5% E-MCC). The findings in the study reveal that MCC synthesized from elephant grass is a promising reinforcing agent that can considerably enhance the various properties of corn starch films for food packaging applications.