DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i5.163

Keywords: Biofilm, carboxymethyl cellulose, fish gelatine, food packaging, sugarcane bagasse

Abstract

In this study, carboxymethyl cellulose was prepared from sugarcane bagasse (CMC SB) using alkalisation and etherification methods, and CMC SB was utilised to enhance the physicochemical properties of fish gelatine (FG) based films. Three volume ratios of FG:CMC SB blends, namely 90 FG:10 CMC SB, 70 FG:30 CMC SB and 50 FG:50 CMC SB were set to fabricate the biofilms. All components were mixed and degassed before casting and drying at 50 ºC in an oven for 24 h. Incorporation of CMC SB into FG based films increased the elongation at break (EAB) and tensile strength (TS) values from 15.28 ± 1.02 MPa and 38.44 ± 1.73% (pure FG) to 16.79 ± 1.28 MPa and 43.36 ± 2.17% (50 FG:50 CMC SB), respectively. The interaction between the -OH groups of FG and the COO- groups of CMC SB was revealed by FTIR analysis. FESEM analysis showed that films with lower CMC SB concentrations exhibited a relatively homogeneous cross-sectional morphology, whereas higher CMC SB concentrations resulted in phase separation and heterogeneous structures. The films were degradable under simulated compost environmental conditions. In summary, FG:CMC SB films are potential candidate for environmental friendly food packaging materials.