Improving the moisture barrier and mechanical properties of semi‐refined carrageenan films
Bakti Berlyanto Sedayu, Marlene J. Cran, Stephen W. Bigger
Abstract
Abstract Semi‐refined carrageenan (SRC) films are sensitive to moisture and generally have poor mechanical properties. These factors limit their use in applications where moisture levels are high and good mechanical strength is required. This work investigated the incorporation of nanoclay (NC) into SRC film in combination with surface lamination using a thin layer of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) to enhance the barrier properties and hydrophobicity of the SRC film and concurrently improved the mechanical properties. The water vapor permeability, moisture uptake, and water solubility decreased by 92, 24, and 11%, respectively, and the water contact angle increased from 72° to 95°. The tensile strength and elongation at break increased by 17.9 and 2.8%, respectively, and the thermal stability also increased slightly. The PCL lamination was the main contributor to the enhanced barrier and mechanical properties of the films, whereas the NC inclusion contributed more to the enhanced thermal properties.