Addition of Pine Rosin to Pectin bioplastic films for improved water resistance

Pectin films were prepared by addition of different quantities of Rosin in order to test the effects of this natural hydrophobic polymer in increasing the water resistance of Pectin films. Scanning Electron Microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetric analysis suggest that Rosin disperses into the Pectin film forming small isolated drops, which allows it to exist as a separate phase. Water solubility tests clearly show an improvement of the water resistance in the Rosin containing films with respect to the pure Pectin films. These results provide evidence of the practical use of these films as all natural biodegradable vehicles for controlled substance delivery in aqueous environments. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The addition of Rosin to Pectin films improves their water resistance by forming isolated drops within the film, making it a potential all-natural biodegradable carrier for controlled substance delivery in aqueous environments.