Facile microfluidic fabrication and characterization of ethyl cellulose/PVP films with neatly arranged fibers

Abstract

Much attention and endeavor have been paid to developing biocompatible food packaging films. Here, ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were fabricated into films through a facile method, microfluidic spinning. Morphology observations showed that the fibers were neatly arranged with an average diameter of 1-4 μm. FTIR and X-ray diffraction analysis suggested the existence of good compatibility and interaction between EC and PVP. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that PVP ameliorates the thermal properties; moreover, the tensile properties were improved, with tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus up to 11.10 ± 1.04 MPa and 350.16 ± 45.46 MPa, respectively. The optimal formula was EC/PVP (2:3), of which the film displayed an enhanced TS of 4.61 ± 1.15 MPa and a modified water contact angle of 61.8 ± 4.4°, showing fine tensile and hydrophilic performance. This study provides a facile and green film fabrication method promising to be used for food wrapping.

Keywords: Ethyl cellulose; Microfiber films; Microfluidic spinning; Neatly arranged fibers; Polyvinylpyrrolidone.