Life Sciences Commons^™

Biodegradable Cellulose Films As Alternatives To Plastics, Cecilia Wambui Wanjuu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Plastics are versatile and have desirable packaging characteristics such as flexibility, durability, and affordability. The production of plastics has increased over the years resulting in concerns about their single-usage and disposal. Since plastics are nonbiodegradable, they have been associated with detrimental health impacts due to the leaching chemicals from the landfills and their accumulation in the natural and marine environment. Cellulose obtained from agricultural residues is a viable substitute because of its low density, biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and a strong and stiff structure. However, the extraction of cellulose has been less exploited because of its insolubility in water and …