Effect of pH on the Mechanical Properties of Single-Biopolymer Mucilage (Opuntia ficus-indica), Pectin and Alginate Films: Development and Mechanical Characterisation
Article
Overview
Research
Identity
Additional Document Info
View All
Overview
abstract
Pectin and alginate are well-established biopolymers used in natural film development. Single-polymer mucilage films were developed from freeze-dried native mucilage powder of two cultivars, \%27Algerian\%27 and \%27Morado\%27, and the films\%27 mechanical properties were compared to single-polymer pectin and alginate films developed from commercially available pectin and alginate powders. The casting method prepared films forming solutions at 2.5%25, 5%25, and 7.5%25 (w/w) for each polymer. Considerable variations were observed in the films\%27 strength and elasticity between the various films at different polymer concentrations. Although mucilage films could be produced at 5%25 (w/w), both cultivars could not produce films with a tensile strength (TS) greater than 1 MPa. Mucilage films, however, displayed > 20%25 elongation at break (%25E) values, being noticeably more elastic than the pectin and alginate films. The mechanical properties of the various films were further modified by varying the pH of the film-forming solution. The various films showed increased TS and puncture force (PF) values, although these increases were more noticeable for pectin and alginate than mucilage films. Although single-polymer mucilage films exhibit the potential to be used in developing natural packaging, pectin and alginate films possess more suitable mechanical attributes.
