MUMBAI, India, July 7 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202631032898 A) filed by National Institute Of Technology Rourkela on March 18, 2026, for "cellulose Nanoparticle-Reinforced Litchi Seed Starch Nanocomposite Films".
Inventors include Mr. Souvik Giri; Mr. Saurabh Sahu; Mr. Rahul Thakur; and Dr. Preetam Sarkar.
The application for the patent was published on July 03, 2026, under issue no. 27/2026.
Abstract: CLAIMS: We Claim: 1. A biodegradable nanocomposite film comprising: a) a continuous polymeric matrix comprising starch extracted from the seeds of Litchi chinensis; b) a dispersed reinforcement phase comprising cellulose nanoparticles distributed within said polymeric matrix; and c) at least one plasticizer incorporated into the polymeric matrix to enhance film flexibility. 2. The nanocomposite film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cellulose nanoparticles are present in a concentration ranging from 0.5% to 10% by weight relative to the dry weight of the starch. 3. The nanocomposite film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the starch extracted from Litchi chinensis seeds is characterized by an amylose content sufficient to form a semi-crystalline film structure upon gelatinization and drying. 4. The nanocomposite film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plasticizer is a polyol, preferably glycerol, present in a concentration range of 20% to 40% by weight relative to the starch. 5. The nanocomposite film as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the cellulose nanoparticles form an interfacial hydrogen-bonded network with the starch molecules, thereby increasing the tensile strength of the film by at least 50% compared to an unreinforced litchi starch film. 6. The nanocomposite film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the film exhibits ultraviolet-light shielding properties and reduced water vapor permeability due to the tortuosity provided by the dispersed cellulose nanoparticles. 7. A method for the fabrication of a cellulose nanoparticle-reinforced Litchi chinensis seed starch film, comprising the steps of: a) extracting starch from Litchi chinensis seeds; b) preparing an aqueous suspension of said starch and a plasticizer; c) gelatinizing the suspension by heating under mechanical agitation; d) incorporating cellulose nanoparticles into the gelatinized suspension; e) homogenizing the mixture to ensure uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles; and f) casting the homogenized mixture onto a substrate and drying it to form a film. 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the homogenization of the mixture is performed using ultrasonication or high-shear mixing to prevent agglomeration of the cellulose nanoparticles. 9. Use of the nanocomposite film as claimed in claim 1 for the manufacture of biodegradable food packaging, agricultural mulch, or industrial protective wraps.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
