Physical and mechanical properties of gelatin-CMC composite films under the influence of electrostatic interactions.

The objective of current study was to examine the electrostatic interactions between gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a function of pH and mixing ratio (MR) and to observe how the physical and mechanical properties of gelatin-CMC composite films are affected by these interactions. The interaction between biopolymers was studied using turbidometric analysis at different gelatin: CMC MRs and pH values. A reduction in pH and MR enhanced the electrostatic interactions; while, decreased the relative viscosity of mixed system. Physical and mechanical properties of resultant composite films were examined and compared with those of control gelatin films. Changes in the intensity of interactions between the two biopolymers resulted in films with different properties. Polymer complexation led to formation of resistant film networks of less solubility and swellability. Water vapor permeability (WVP) was not significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by incorporating CMC into continuous gelatin films. Composite films prepared at MR of 9:1 and pH (corresponding to the maximum amount of interaction) revealed different characteristics such as maximum amounts of WVP and swelling and minimum amounts of tensile strength and solubility. FTIR spectra of composite films confirmed that gelatin and CMC were not covalently bonded.