In this master's thesis, we explored the development of a bio-based packaging adhesive from bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and aloe vera as a sustainable alternative to synthetic adhesives. Due to its exceptional mechanical and environmental properties, BNC and aloe vera have great potential for use in the packaging industry.
The experimental part involved the preparation of an adhesive mixture composed of aloe vera and BNC and the comparison of its mechanical properties with the commercial adhesive Mekol, both with and without BNC. Aloe vera was chosen as a natural polymeric base due to its polysaccharides, which contribute to adhesion. The mechanical properties of the adhesive bond were tested on both coated - smooth and uncoated-rough paper surfaces using the T-peel and shear tests.
The results showed that the bio-based adhesive containing BNC achieved higher maximum shear and peel forces on the uncoated side due to better mechanical anchoring of particles within the fibrous paper structure. However, on coated surfaces, the uneven distribution of BNC weakened the adhesive-substrate interaction, reducing the bond strength.
Compared to Mekol, the bio-based adhesive exhibited different behavioral patterns. While Mekol achieved higher absolute values of maximum forces, the bio-based formulation with BNC demonstrated comparable mechanical stability in certain tests. However, the effectiveness of the bio-based adhesive remains highly dependent on the type of substrate and application method, emphasizing the need for further formulation optimization.
This comparative analysis contributes to the development of bio-based adhesives in the packaging industry and offers opportunities for sustainable alternatives to traditional commercial adhesives.
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