Dynamic covalent network-enabled poly (vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl cellulose films: A self-reinforcing and recyclable approach for sustainable fruit packaging

Developing sustainable packaging materials with enhanced mechanical strength and moisture resistance remains a pressing challenge. In this study, a self-reinforcing and recyclable film composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was fabricated through dynamic covalent cr...

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Main Authors: Liu, Fengsong, Wang, Zihan, Cao, Yifang, Tan, Tai Boon, Fan, Yiting, Ren, Jiahao, Zou, Youning, Chen, Ying, Xie, Yijia, Xiao, Xinglong
Format: Article
Language:en
Published: Elsevier B.V. 2025
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120721/1/120721.pdf
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120721/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813025056806?via%3Dihub
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Summary:Developing sustainable packaging materials with enhanced mechanical strength and moisture resistance remains a pressing challenge. In this study, a self-reinforcing and recyclable film composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was fabricated through dynamic covalent crosslinking. The strategy involved the formation of amide bonds (-CONH-) between the -COOH groups of CMC and the -NH2 groups of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), thereby reinforcing intermolecular entanglements and enhancing structural integrity. Comprehensive characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the construction of a robust double-crosslinked network. This architecture substantially reduced water absorption and improved film durability. The optimized PVA-10 % N-CMC film exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity, as evidenced by a water contact angle of 97.36°, low water solubility (14.67 %), and minimal water vapor permeability (0.88 g × mm/m2 × h × kPa). Moreover, its outstanding mechanical performance and recyclability under varying humidity conditions underscore its potential as an eco-friendly packaging material. Notably, the film effectively prolonged the freshness of strawberries, maintaining fruit quality for up to 9 days during storage. Collectively, these findings offer a scalable approach for engineering high-performance biodegradable films, paving the way for advanced smart food packaging technologies.