Carboxymethyl cellulose-based films: Effect of organosolv lignin incorporation on physicochemical and antioxidant properties

Abstract Organosolv lignin was incorporated in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based films as a reinforcing and bioactive agent. Films were produced by the casting method using compatible and environmentally friendly solvents. The incorporation of lignin in CMC-based films was evaluated in term of morphology, physicochemical, barrier, mechanical and antioxidant properties. Solubility tests showed that lignin improved the water resistance of the films for approx. 60%. This behavior was also observed for the water vapor permeability, achieving a 20% reduction. Morphological characteristics suggested low compatibility between organosolv lignin and CMC matrix, revealed by the small aggregates homogeneously distributed in the film, through scanning electron microscopy, related to the self-assembly behavior of lignin. CMC/lignin-based films also presented higher thermal stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that incorporation of lignin led to small changes in the film's structure. Finally, organosolv lignin proved to be a promising material for the development of active CMC-based films due to its demonstrated antioxidant activity that can be useful to pack food products that suffer from undesirable oxidation reactions.