Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
MyJurnal

Abstract

Plastics packaging is non-biodegradable and risks to human health and environmental pollution. In contrast, gelatin-based film lack of desired mechanical, thermal and water vapour barrier properties. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the mechanical and physical properties of bio-nanocomposite films based on chicken skin gelatin with different concentration of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). Gelatin/CSNPs film solutions with different CSNPs concentration (0-8%, w/w) were stirred at 45oC for 30 min and oven-dried at 45oC. Film characterization determination includes tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), Young’s modulus (YM), water solubility, water vapour permeability (WVP), film morphology and melting temperature (Tm). Results of the study indicated that incorporation of CSNPs significantly influenced film properties. The addition of CSNPs increased the TS and YM value, which lead to stronger films than the pure chicken skin gelatin films. However the addition of CSNPs decreased the EAB value. Furthermore, WVP and water solubility significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by the addition of 6% CSNPs. Morphology images showed that increased CSNPs reduced the film’s amorphous character, especially in high level, in which higher CSNPs (8%) resulted in the aggregation of particles in the composites. The nano-reinforcement films showed higher thermal stability as compared to pure chicken skin gelatin films. In conclusion, the film with 6% CSNPs showed the best formulation, as it demonstrated high in TS, YM and Tm value, while low in EAB, water solubility and WVP value compared to other films. The results presented in this study showed the feasibility of using bio-nanocomposite technology to improve the properties of biopolymer films based on chicken skin gelatin.