Eco-friendly breathable film from agricultural wastes for stretchable food packing application. Tunisian Excellency Project via Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Sfax. 2024-2026

This study introduces an innovative solvent-assisted transesterification approach, utilizing dimethylacetamide (DMAc) to graft poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) onto cellulose derived from date palm waste. Unlike conventional methods requiring ionic liquids or strong acidic catalysts, this process leverages DMAc’s polar aprotic properties, optimizing solubility and nucleophilic stabilization without compromising PHB’s backbone structure. The resulting biodegradable Cell-g-PHB composite exhibits enhanced interfacial adhesion, mechanical strength, and flexibility, making it a promising candidate for sustainable and stretchable food packaging. By repurposing agricultural waste, this research supports eco-friendly packaging solutions, advancing sustainability in material science.