Article Details
  • Published Online:
    August  2025
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of Mechanical Engineering
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJME020825
  • DOI:
    10.71329/IUPJMECH/2025.18.3.25-62
  • Author Name:
    Kirubanandan Shanmugam
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Engineering
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    25-62
Volume 18, Issue 3, August 2025
Sustainable Applications of Free-Standing Nanocellulose Films and Their Composites: A Review
Abstract

Nanocellulose (NC) is a biodegradable nanomaterial derived from lignocellulosic biomass through mechanical, chemical, or enzymatic defibrillation processes to convert wood fibers into nanofibrils. This material consists of a network of cellulosic fibrils with a wide range of diameters, offering unique properties suitable for various functional applications. NC can be of use as a substrate or coating, serving as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic plastics. Despite having good barrier properties and strong mechanical strength, NC films are still not as effective as synthetic plastics. They are used in creating barrier materials, flexible electronics, and coatings for paper products. There is a growing interest in using NC films to replace traditional plastics, but current methods for producing them are slow and limit commercial viability. Therefore, there is a need for faster processes to meet the increasing demand for free-standing NC films and their composites in packaging and other functional materials

Introduction

Packaging materials are essential components used to protect, contain, store, and transport goods and products.