Processing and physical properties of canola protein isolate-based films

• Successful processing of canola protein-based polymer by solvent casting.
• The physical properties of the films were assessed.
• Films’ water absorption capacities were up to 1115%.
• Films’ elongations at break were up to 551%.

The utilization of canola proteins as feedstock for bio-based polymers has not been demonstrated extensively. However, canola proteins has an amino acid profile similar to that of soy proteins, suggesting that canola protein may be a potential feedstock for manufacturing biodegradable polymeric materials. This study reports for the first time, the synthesis of canola protein isolate-based films plasticized with glycerol by solution casting. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and stearic acid (SA) were used as the protein denaturant and co-plasticizer respectively. The functional properties of the films, including the structural, mechanical, thermal, water absorptive and morphological properties were determined. It was found that SDS substantially increased the mechanical properties and raised the water absorption capacities of the resulting film up to 1115%. However, films co-plasticized by SA had weaker mechanical properties, and lower water absorption capacities.