BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERIC FILMS FROM GELATIN AND SILK SERICIN: DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION FOR PACKAGING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This project work describes the preparation and characterization of flexible cross linked gelatin/sericin/clay blend films. Gelatin/sericin (3:1, 1:1, 1:3 w/w) films are prepared by using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent and glycerol as plasticizer by solution casting method. The concentrations of gelatin and sericin are optimized on the basis of mechanical strength. Closite 30B and copper modified sodium montmorillonite are used as antibacterial nanofiller additive for gelatin/sericin blend films. It is observed that tensile strength of the crosslinked flexible gelatin/sericin films is enhanced on addition of clay. XRD spectra shows clay is exfoliated in gelatin/sericin matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed glutaraldehyde crosslinked with gelatin and sericin .Scanning electron micrographs shows surface morphology of films. The films show smooth morphology and no phase separation. Biodegradability test in soil and antibacterial test shows biodegradable behavior and antibacterial activity of flexible gelatin/sericin and gelatin/sericin/clay films respectively. TGA thermograms represent the thermal stability of films.