Characterization of Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Hemicellulose-Gelatin Films

In this study, biodegradable hemicellulose-gelatin blend films with different ratios were developed to examine their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Films prepared with 25/75 hemicellulose/ gelatin In the ratio of 25/75, hemicellulose / gelatin, produced composite films, in comparison with other films showed the lowest water vapor permeability (4.59× 10-10g/msPa), water solubility (29.995%) and tensile strength (1.83 Mpa) and highest elongation at break (203.85%). Slight increase in hemicellulose concentration increased tensile strength, water solubility and water vapor permeability and lowered elongation at break comparing to control and further increase in hemicellulose rose water solubility and tensile strength and elongation at break decreased. Also, comparing the composite films with control film (gelatin film, HGa), it was observed that by adding 25% hemicellulose, the water solubility and the tensile strength of the films decreased and elongation at break increased. Afterwards with increasing ratio of hemicellulose solubility and tensile strength increased and on the other hand, elongation at break decreased. According to the results, it seems that the combination of hemicellulose-gelatin is a suitable mixture with significant properties for the production of biodegradable films.