The Role of Virgin Coconut Oil in Corn Starch/NCC-Based Nanocomposite Film Matrix: Physical, Mechanical, and Water Vapor Transmission Characteristics.

Corn starch-based nanocomposite films usually have low moisture barrier properties. Adding virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a hydrophobic component can improve the nanocomposite film's characteristics, especially the film's permeability and elongation properties. This study aimed to determine the role of VCO with various concentrations (0, 3, 5 wt%) on the physical, mechanical, and water vapor transmission characteristics of corn starch/NCC-based nanocomposite films. Adding 3% VCO to the film showed the lowest WVTR value by 4.721 g/m.h. At the same time, the value of tensile strength was 4.243 MPa, elongation 69.28%, modulus of elasticity 0.062 MPa, thickness 0.219 mm, lightness 98.77, and water solubility 40.51%. However, adding 5 wt% VCO to the film increased the film's elongation properties by 83.87%. The SEM test showed that adding VCO formed a finer structure with pores in several areas. The FTIR films showed that adding VCO caused a slightly higher absorption peak shift at the O-H groups and new absorption peaks at wave numbers 1741 cm and 1742 cm. The results of this study may provide opportunities for the development of nanocomposite films as biodegradable packaging in the future.