The current research discusses the development of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) reinforced nanocrystalline cellulose bionanocomposites. The nanocrystalline cellulose was derived from waste oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber by acid hydrolysis process. The resulting nanocrystalline cellulose suspension was then surface functionalized by TEMPO-mediated oxidation and solvent exchange process. Furthermore, the PLA/PHBV/nanocrystalline cellulose bionanocomposites were produced by solvent casting method. The effect of the addition of nanocrystalline cellulose on structural, morphology, mechanical and barrier properties of bionanocomposites was investigated. The results revealed that the developed bionanocomposites showed improved mechanical properties and decrease in oxygen permeability rate. Therefore, the developed bio-based composite incorporated with an optimal composition of nanocrystalline cellulose exhibits properties as compared to the polymer blend.

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Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber was obtained from the FELCRA Nasaruddin Oil palm mill, Perak. Commercially available Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) granules and Poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with 12% HV resins obtained from GoodFellow Corp. as a primary and secondary polymer matrix respectively. Chemicals used in this study were all laboratory grades purchased from Global Plus Sdn. Bhd and Benua Sains Sdn. Bhd: Sulphuric acid (97.5%), Hydrochloric acid (37%), Acetic acid (99.7%), Sodium hydroxide (98%), Benzene (99.0%), Ethanol (99.5%), Sodium Hypochlorite (with Chlorine 10.25%), Sodium bromide (99%), Hydrochloric acid (37%), 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) (98%), Acetone (97%), Dimethylformamide (99.8%) and Chloroform (99%).

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Reduction in Plastic Waste: The biodegradable nature of bionanocomposites means they can decompose naturally, reducing the accumulation of persistent plastic waste in the environment.

Enhanced Material Properties: Blending biopolymers with natural fibers and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) improves mechanical properties, such as strength and stiffness, and enhances the morphological and barrier properties of the composites.

Automotive and Construction Industries: Enhanced mechanical properties and lightweight nature of bionanocomposites make them suitable for automotive parts and construction materials, reducing overall material weight and improving fuel efficiency and structural integrity.

Innovative Surface Modification: Techniques like TEMPO-mediated oxidation and esterification modify the surface of cellulose nanofillers, improving compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrices and enhancing composite performance.

Focus on Optimal Loading: Research indicates that an optimal loading of NCC (0.25 wt%) significantly improves the characteristics of bionanocomposites. However, excessive loading can lead to negative effects due to aggregation, highlighting the need for precise control in composite formulation.

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Chemical groups on the surface on NCC were characterized using FTIR spectra, as shown Fig. 2a. The broad bands in the region of 3340 cm-1 to 3500 cm-1 attributes to the Osingle bondH stretching vibrations and the peaks at 2900 cm-1 and 2905 cm-1 correspond to Csingle bondH stretching vibrations (Lu & Hsieh, 2010; Pasquini, Teixeira, Curvelo, Belgacem, & Dufresne, 2010). The peak at region of 1638 cm-1 indicates absorbed water (H2O) in the cellulose powder, while the peak at 1206 cm-1 represent sulfate groups of the NCC from the esterification reactions (D. Chen, D. Lawton, M. Thompson, & Q. Liu, 2012; Nazir, Wahjoedi, Yussof, & Abdullah, 2013; Neto, Silvério, Dantas, & Pasquini, 2013). Furthermore, the NCC spectra shows the disappearance of Cdouble bondO stretching vibration at 1722.16 cm-1and 1533 cm-1 which corresponds to the acetyl and uronic ester groups of hemicelluloses as well as the ester linkage of the carboxyl groups of lignin and to the Cdouble bondC vibration in lignin respectively (Dan Chen et al., 2012; Johar, Ahmad, & Dufresne, 2012). Finally, the majority of peaks that present in the region of 800–1500 cm-1for both raw and NCC sample represents unique fingerprint region for cellulose(D. Chen, D. Lawton, M. R. Thompson, & Q. Liu, 2012)..

Environmental Concerns: The increasing awareness and regulatory push towards reducing plastic waste and lowering carbon footprints are major drivers. Bionanocomposites, being biodegradable and made from renewable resources, align well with these environmental goals.

Reduction in Production Costs: Natural fibers and biopolymers often result in lower production costs compared to traditional petroleum-based polymers, making them economically attractive.

Automotive IndustryBionanocomposites can reduce vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Their use in interior components, structural parts, and under-the-hood applications is being explored.

Construction Industry: The potential for bionanocomposites in building materials is high due to their strength, durability, and eco-friendly attributes.

Electronics:Research and Development Opportunities: Bionanocomposites are being investigated for use in electronic casings and components, leveraging their insulating properties and environmental benefits.