Concentration effect of TiO2/SnO2 in cellulose nanocomposite on fruit ripening rate

Climacteric fruit is characterized by an increase in respiration and ethylene production when the ripening occurs. On the other hand, TiO2 was found to be able to decompose ethylene gas through its photocatalyst reaction. To optimize the photocatalyst function, we made additional semiconductors to form TiO2/SnO2. To improve the mechanical properties of it, nanocellulose is used as a matrix on composites made. To determine the effect of the concentration of TiO2/SnO2, 3 different nanocomposite compositions were made with concentrations of TiO2/SnO2 of 5 wt%, 15 wt%, and 25 wt% of nanocellulose gel mass which were all applied to the acrylic sheet as a cover. X-ray diffraction shows the synthesis of TiO2/SnO2 produce anatase, rutile phase and cassiterite. Addition of nanocellulose to the composite give a good effect to adhesivity quality of nanocomposites to acrylic. Nanocomposites with 5 wt% of TiO2/SnO2 resulting the slowest fruit maturation rate when compared to other nanocomposites and uncoated acrylic.