Production of PLA/cellulose derived from pineapple leaves as bio-degradable mulch film

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-06, Vol.270 (Pt 1), p.132299-132299, Article 132299
• Main Authors: Sukwijit, Chachtapoom, Seubsai, Anusorn, Charoenchaitrakool, Manop, Sudsakorn, Kandis, Niamnuy, Chalida, Roddecha, Supacharee, Prapainainar, Paweena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agriculture mulching; biocomposites; biodegradability; biodegradation; Cellulose; Cellulose modification; Composite film; heat tolerance; light transmission; mulches; nanocrystals; permeability; Pineapple leaf; pineapples; Polylactic acid; soil water; thermal degradation; water vapor; weeds
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132299

Mulch films were fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA) with cellulose nanocrystals (PNC) extracted from pineapple leaves. The PNC was modified by incorporating 4 wt% triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS), designated as 4PNC, to enhance its interaction with PLA. The films incorporated varying concentrations of PNC (1, 2, 4, and 8 wt%). The results indicated that higher PNC concentrations increased the water vapor permeability (WVP) and biodegradability of the composite films, while reducing light transmission. Films containing 4PNC, particularly at 4 wt% (PLA/4PNC-4), exhibited an 11.18 % increase in elongation at break compared to neat PLA films. Moreover, these films showed reduced light transmission, correlating with decreased weed growth, reduced WVP, and enhanced barrier properties, indicative of improved soil moisture retention. Additionally, PLA films with 4PNC demonstrated greater thermal degradation stability than those with unmodified PNC, suggesting enhanced heat resistance. However, there was no significant difference in aerobic biodegradation between the PLA films with PNC and those with 4PNC. This study confirms that TEVS-modified cellulose significantly enhances the properties of bio-composite films, making them more suitable for mulch film applications. [Display omitted] •The elongation at break was improved by 11.18 % when adding 4 wt% 4PNC in PLA film.•Light transmission was reduced when adding 4PNC to PLA film indicating that the film that can reduce weed growth.•The addition of 4PNC reduced water-vapor permeability resulting in the film being able to maintain soil moisture.•PLA film with 4PNC can withstand heat better than PLA film with PNC.•The produced mulch film showed improved biodegradable properties when buried in soil.