Fabrication of Gelatin-based natural nanocomposite films using nanoclay and Chitosan for food packaging applications

Solid waste disposal and accumulation from various packaging materials made of synthetic polymers have led to intensified environmental concerns during the last decades. However, extensive research has been conducted on bio-nanocomposites as an alternative material for synthetic polymers in packaging applications during recent years. In this study, gelatin-based films modified with nano-caly and chitosan are proposed for food packaging. Nano-clay is used to improve various features such as mechanical strength and water vapor barrier properties. Also, chitosan is added to the gelatin matrix for anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. The as-prepared nanocomposite films were characterized using FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques. Also, tensile strength, transparency, swelling behavior, water contact angle and permeability tests were performed. Based on the results, increasing nano-clay up to ۵ wt. %, results in ۲۵% tensile strength enhancement in the nano-composite film. Higher nano-clay contents led to strength decline. Elongation at break is reduced by increasing the nano-clay content from ۲۵% to ۴۰%. The contact angle was also reduced by increasing the nano-clay content from ۹۵o to ۹۰o showing a small hydrophobicity reduction.

Keywords:

Bio-degradability , Chitosan , Gelatin , Nano-clay , Nanocomposite Film , Packaging