Nano-SiO2-modified Xylan-PVOH-based Composite Films: Mechanical and Barrier Properties Investigation

Abstract

Hemicellulose from a wide range of sources and abundant reserves shows good biocompatibility, degradability, and renewability. Because of its low degree of polymerization and a large amount of hydroxyl groups, hemicellulose-based films exhibit low strength and tend to be hydrophilic, which hinders some potential applications. Therefore, hemicellulose-based films with improved strength and barrier properties are needed. In this study, nano-SiO₂ was incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol/xylan matrix for the purpose of preparing an inorganic-organic hybrid composite film with elevated mechanical and barrier performance. The addition of nano-SiO₂ can serve this purpose. A 1% nano-SiO₂ loading resulted in an increase of contact angle of the composite film from 89.6° to 110.4°, an increase of the tensile strength from 11.2 to 14.8 MPa, and a decrease of oxygen permeability from 1.83 to 0.27 (cm³×µm)/(m²·d·kPa), which corresponds to a contact angle that was increased by 23%, tensile strength increased by 32%, and oxygen permeability decreased by 85%. These results indicated that the nano-SiO₂ modified xylan film might have great application prospects as a barrier film in food packaging.