Effects of pHs on properties of bio-nanocomposite based on tilapia skin gelatin and Cloisite Na+

Effects of various pHs (4-8) of film forming suspensions (FFS) on the properties of nanocomposite film based on tilapia skin gelatin and hydrophilic nanoclay (Cloisite Na+) were investigated. Intercalated/exfoliated structure of nanocomposite films was revealed by WAXD analysis. Young's Modulus (YM) and tensile strength (TS) of nanocomposite films increased up to pH 6 (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the further increases in pH levels resulted in the decreases in both YM and TS (P < 0.05). The highest water vapour barrier property of the film was observed when the pH of FFS was 6 (P < 0.05). Lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of nanocomposite films generally increased with increasing pH levels. Transparency of nanocomposite films was affected to some extent by pHs. Homogeneity and smoothness of film surface were obtained for nanocomposite films with pH 6 as confirmed by SEM micrographs. Thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analyses indicated that thermal stability of nanocomposite films varied with different pH levels. In general, mechanical and water vapour barrier properties of nanocomposite films were improved when FFS having pH 6 was used. Thus, the pH of FFS directly affected the properties of nanocomposite gelatin films incorporated with hydrophilic nanoclay.