Comparison of hydroxypropyl and carboxymethyl guar for the preparation of nanocellulose composite films

The gas barrier and mechanical properties are crucial parameters for packaging materials, and they are highly correlated to the molecular interactions in the polymer matrix. To improve these properties of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNs) composite films, we studied the effect using hydroxypropyl guar (HPG) or carboxymethyl guar (CMG) in the preparation of TOCN composite films, which were made by following the solution-casting method. The subsequent film characterizations were carried out by UV–Vis spectra, scanning electron microscopy, oxygen and water vapor permeability measurements, tensile and thermogravimetric analyses. SEM results showed that CMG-based films had denser structures than their HPG counterparts. Moreover, the improved hydrogen bonding of the CMG-based films was partially responsible for the improved gas barrier performance, tensile strength and thermal stability. These results support the conclusion that CMG had advantages over HPG when used in the preparation of TOCNs packaging composite films.