Abstract
Plastics utilized in packaging have a significant impact on the environment, leading to considerable concerns regarding human and environmental well‐being. Researchers globally are working to counteract these incidents by integrating biopolymers like starch, cellulose, chitosan, etc., into the packaging sector because of their nontoxic nature, biodegradability, and eco‐friendly properties. This study aims to extract cellulose from jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peel by combining bleaching and alkaline treatment (17.5% w/v NaOH) and utilizes the extracted cellulosic compounds to produce a practical biodegradable film. The constructed film can be an alternative to synthetic films currently used in industries, minimize environmental harm caused by plastics, and offer a waste management option for jackfruit peels. The study extracted 28.04% cellulose from jackfruit peel wastes, and it was subsequently utilized to develop a biocompatible composite film containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and extracted cellulose. The percentage of cellulose being used in PVA is 0%, 20%, 50%, and 80% compared to pure PVA film. Mechanical properties (tensile atrength, elastic modulus, tensile energy absorption, and strain) as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), water absorption, and soil burial test were done to define the material and functional properties of 0%, 20%, 50%, and 80% cellulose‐PVA composite film. Among four films, 20% of the jackfruit‐extracted cellulose‐reinforced PVA film has shown better results compared to others. It has shown maximum thermal stability at 368.2°C. Conversely, the 50% cellulose‐reinforced PVA film has maximum contraction at 57.4°C with a value of 130.6 μm compared to other percentages in terms of thermomechanical analysis. It also shows the maximum water absorption percentage. It is evident from this study that a cellulosic component generated from jackfruit peels can be used with PVA to make biodegradable packaging films.