Physical and morphological properties of nanocomposite films based on gelatin and Laponite

• Laponite gelatin nanocomposite films have potential industrial applications.
• Exfoliated platelets of Laponite in gelatin matrix
• Laponite enhances the mechanical properties in gelatin matrix.
• Laponite does not alter optical properties in gelatin matrix.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of Laponite concentration on some physical and morphological properties of gelatin films produced by casting technique. The studied properties were thickness, gloss, color, opacity, moisture content, solubility in water, water vapor permeability, microstructure, crystallinity, chemical structure, and thermal and mechanical properties. The results suggested that the mechanical properties (elastic modulus, tensile strength and puncture force) of gelatin matrix were significantly improved with the increase of the concentration of Laponite. Others properties such as surface rugosity and solubility in water also were altered with the increase of the concentration of Laponite. X-ray analyses suggested a good dispersion of Laponite into gelatin matrix, confirmed by atomic force microscopy micrographs. The analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the alterations of bands at 1080 and 997 cm− 1 with Laponite addition to the gelatin matrix. Laponite gelatin nanocomposite films could be potentially used as a novel packaging in food and pharmaceutical industries.

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