Preparation of nanocellulose from micro-crystalline cellulose: The effect on the performance and properties of agar-based composite films

• NC was synthesized from MCC using NaOH/urea treatment followed by regeneration and sonication.
• Agar based films were prepared by solvent casting method using NC and MCC as reinforcing agents.
• Nanocomposite films exhibited improved mechanical, water vapor barrier, and thermal properties.
• NC was more effective than MCC for improving film properties.

A facile approach has been performed to prepare nanocellulose (NC) from micro-crystalline cellulose (MCC) and test their effect on the performance properties of agar-based composite films. The NC was characterized by STEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA. The NC was well dispersed in distilled water after sonication and their size was in the range of 100–500 nm. The XRD results revealed the crystallinity of NC. The crystallinity index of NC (0.71) was decreased compared to the MCC (0.81). The effect of NC or MCC content (1, 3, 5 and 10 wt% based on agar) on the mechanical, water vapor permeability (WVP), and thermal properties of the composites were studied. The NC obtained from MCC can be used as a reinforcing agent for the preparation of biodegradable composites films for their potential use in the development of biodegradable food packaging materials.