Research Information System
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, vol.143, no.6, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study focused on the development of high-performance bio-based films from chitosan and rice husk nanocellulose, reinforced with either nano-magnesium oxide (MgO) or neem oil. The films were evaluated for strength, crystallinity, thermal stability, swelling degree, solubility, water vapor transmission rate, moisture retention, apparent density, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Adding nano-MgO significantly enhanced film crystallinity by 84.9%, increased tensile strength and Young's modulus, and improved thermal stability up to 265 degrees C while reducing swelling and biodegradability (33.07% compared to 35.71% for chitosan-nanocellulose). The addition of MgO increased surface roughness, which influenced water uptake and barrier properties. However, neem oil improved flexibility, elongation at break (15.29%), antimicrobial activity against E. coli, antioxidant capacity (70.16% DPPH scavenging), and moisture management, but decreased crystallinity and thermal stability. Solubility and swelling behaviors were moderated by the interactions among chitosan, nanocellulose, and the fillers. Apparent density analysis indicated that MgO increased density by filling polymeric spaces, whereas neem oil slightly reduced stiffness without significantly affecting density. The functional properties of chitosan-nanocellulose films could be tailored through selective incorporation of MgO or neem oil, achieving an optimized balance of mechanical, thermal, barrier, and bioactive performance, making them promising candidates for sustainable and effective food packaging applications.