Effect of magnetic field on the synthesis and properties of ferum embedded cellulose polylactic acid composite films / Siti Hajar Binti Omar

Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology

Thesis (Master of Science) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang - 2025

Includes bibliographical references

The escalating environmental threat posed by conventional plastic waste, particularly in countries like Malaysia, has driven the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in the packaging sector. Among the promising solutions are biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), derived from renewable resources. However, PLA’s inherent brittleness and poor moisture resistance limit its industrial applications. This study investigates the effect of a magnetic field on the synthesis and properties of iron oxide nanoparticle (FeNP)-modified microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced PLA composite films for sustainable packaging. Iron-coated MCC was prepared via a chemical reduction method and embedded within a PLA matrix under varying magnetic field conditions. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility confirmed successful interaction between cellulose and FeNP. The magnetic alignment of FeNP/MCC within the PLA matrix significantly enhanced tensile strength (up to 31.08 MPa), hydrophobicity (contact angle up to 84.91°), and reduced moisture absorption (0.5% compared to 4.0% for MCC/PLA without alignment). These improvements address critical limitations of PLA in packaging applications. Despite these advancements, the study faced challenges such as agglomeration at higher FeNP loading and limited uniformity of magnetic field alignment over large-scale film areas. Nevertheless, the findings demonstrate the potential of magnetically aligned FeNP/MCC-PLA composites as viable, eco-friendly packaging alternatives. The broader implications include reducing global plastic waste, enhancing Malaysia’s biopolymer innovation landscape, and supporting circular economy goals. Future research should explore the scalability of magnetic alignment techniques, long-term biodegradation performance, and cost-effectiveness analyses for industrial adoption. Overall, this study contributes a novel pathway to enhance the performance of biopolymer composites through magnetic field-assisted alignment, supporting a transition toward more sustainable packaging solutions.