Crosslinking agent in the production of biodegradable whey-gelatin films

This study assessed films of different formulations produced from whey protein and gelatin by casting. The results were compared with synthetic polycrystalline wool (PCW) polymer. Citric acid was used as a crosslinker at 10 wt.% - 40 wt.% relative to whey mass. Adding citric acid increased the films’ thickness and solubility. Only the formulations with the highest concentration of citric acid were hydrophilic. The morphological analysis showed that all films have uniform and dense structures. The films had lower thermal stability concerning the standard, and the increase in the citric acid concentration decreased the mass loss in the films. The characterization revealed that the films produced with 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% citric acid have the potential to be used as packaging for feminine pads. The study of the proposed application for films produced based on whey and gelatin is promising since there is little literature regarding the suggested application.

Keywords:
biodegradable polymer; biopolymer; blend; cross-linking