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2025 Vol.57, Issue 6 Preview Page

Original Paper

Preparation and Characterization of Methyl Cellulose/Pullulan/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Film for Packaging Applications
Jungeon Lee1
,
Jae Hoon Jung1
,
Sabina Yeasmin23†
,
Neul-Sae-Rom Kim4
,
Seong Baek Yang5
,
Dong-Jun Kwon6
,
Jung Wan Kim7
,
Jeong Hyun Yeum8‡
1Department of Biofibers and Biomaterials Science, Kyungpook National University, Graduate Student
2Department of Biofibers and Biomaterials Science, Kyungpook National University, Researcher
3Research Center, Large Co., Ltd., Researcher
4Research Center, Large Co., Ltd., Research Director
5Research Institute for Green Energy Convergence Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Research Professor
6Research Institute for Green Energy Convergence Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Professor
7Korea Textile Development Institute, Senior Researcher
8Department of Biofibers and Biomaterials Science, Kyungpook National University, Professor
†Corresponding Author: E-mail: yeasminsabina44@yahoo.com (Address: Department of Biofibers and Biomaterials Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea)
‡Corresponding Author: E-mail: jhyeum@knu.ac.kr (Address: Department of Biofibers and Biomaterials Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea)
30 December 2025. pp. 56-65
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Abstract

Methyl cellulose (MC) and pullulan (PULL) blend films with varying ratios were fabricated, with the MC/PULL 60/40 composition exhibiting the best mechanical performance. Montmorillonite (MMT) was incorporated (1–5 wt.%) into the 60/40 matrix to further enhance the film properties. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the complete exfoliation and uniform dispersion of MMT platelets, indicating strong miscibility within the polymer matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed strong interactions among MC, PULL, and MMT. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the temperature corresponding to 50% decomposition increased with MMT loading of up to 3% but decreased at 5%. Water contact angle measurements indicated an increase in hydrophobicity with rising MMT content (from 61.4° to 64.4°). These environmentally friendly nanocomposite films exhibit enhanced mechanical, thermal, and surface properties while maintaining biodegradability, making them promising candidates for sustainable food packaging and protective applications.

Keywords
Methyl cellulose
pullulan
montmorillonite
nanocomposite
tensile strength
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Information
  • Publisher :Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국펄프종이공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korea TAPPI
  • Journal Title(Ko) :펄프종이기술
  • Volume : 57
  • No :6
  • Pages :56-65
  • Received Date : 2025-10-08
  • Revised Date : 2025-11-11
  • Accepted Date : 2025-11-12
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7584/JKTAPPI.2025.12.57.6.56
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