Arrowroot Based Nanocomposite Films: Properties, Applications, and Sustainability Prospects: A Review
Rasdianah Dahali1, Edi Syams Zainudin1,2,*, Mohammed Abdillah Ahmad Farid1, Tarique Jamal3, Mohd Sapuan Salit1,2, Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Halim2
1 Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
2 Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Center (AEMC), Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
3 Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
* Corresponding Author: Edi Syams Zainudin. Email: 
Journal of Renewable Materials https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0139
Received 07 July 2025; Accepted 11 November 2025; Published online 12 December 2025
Abstract
This review draws attention to the innovative use of arrowroot (
Maranta arundinacea) fiber as a unique and underutilized biomass source for nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)-based nanocomposites, presenting a noteworthy alternative to extensively researched materials like wood pulp, bacterial cellulose, and chemically modified NCCs. In contrast to traditional sources, arrowroot possesses a naturally elevated cellulose and diminished lignin content, facilitating more effective NCC extraction requiring reduced chemical input and enabling environmentally friendly processing techniques. The review evaluates the performance of arrowroot-derived nanocomposites against systems documented in the literature, including NCC-based shape memory composites and nanoparticle-reinforced films, demonstrating enhanced tensile strength, improved moisture barrier properties, and thermal stability, as well as potential piezoelectric response. This study recognizes arrowroot as a viable option in the biomass-based nanocellulose sector, providing ecological and functional benefits while tackling significant issues such as process scalability and feedstock variability, thereby offering important insights for the advancement of sustainable materials.
Graphical Abstract
Keywords
Arrowroot fiber; nanocomposite films; bio-based materials; nanocrystalline cellulose; biodegradable packaging
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