Understanding the Interaction with Water Vapor
Nanocelluloses, which originate from plant fibers, possess excellent mechanical and barrier properties. However, their interaction with water vapor can cause swelling and lead to a loss of these advantageous properties. This has led to the investigation of water vapor transport in multilayer films with nanocelluloses combined with hydrophobic polymers like PLA to improve compatibility and barrier properties.
Investigating the Water Vapor Transport Properties
The study deployed dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) and long-term water vapor adsorption-diffusion experiments to assess the impact of nanometric coatings on PLA water vapor transport. The result was that these coatings, especially those made with nanocelluloses, significantly affect the water vapor uptake of PLA. This study emphasizes the limitations of traditional water vapor permeability measurements when dealing with materials containing ultrathin nanocelluloses layers.
Implications for Bio-Based Packaging
These findings are crucial for the future of bio-based packaging materials. Considering the synergistic effects between layers is essential for accurately evaluating transport properties. The understanding of these properties is vital as water vapor resistance is a key factor in preserving the quality and longevity of packaged goods.