Work

Physical properties of fish gelatin-based bio-nanocomposite films incorporated with ZnO nanorods

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Well-dispersed fish gelatin-based nanocomposites were prepared by adding ZnO nanorods (NRs) as fillers to aqueous gelatin. The effects of ZnO NR fillers on the mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of fish gelatin bio-nanocomposite films were investigated. Results showed an increase in Young's modulus and tensile strength of 42% and 25% for nanocomposites incorporated with 5% ZnO NRs, respectively, compared with unfilled gelatin-based films. UV transmission decreased to zero with the addition of a small amount of ZnO NRs in the biopolymer matrix. X-ray diffraction showed an increase in the intensity of the crystal facets of (10ī1) and (0002) with the addition of ZnO NRs in the biocomposite matrix. The surface topography of the fish gelatin films indicated an increase in surface roughness with increasing ZnO NR concentrations. The conductivity of the films also significantly increased with the addition of ZnO NRs. These results indicated that bio-nanocomposites based on ZnO NRs had great potentials for applications in packaging technology, food preservation, and UV-shielding systems.

Source: Nanoscale Research Letters

DOI: 10.1186/1556-276x-8-364

Authors: Jalal Rouhi, Shahrom Mahmud, Nima Naderi, CH Raymond Ooi, Mohamad Rusop Mahmood

Institutions: Universiti Teknologi MARA System, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Universiti Sains Malaysia, University of Malaya

Language: English

Topic: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,790

Funders: Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA