The structural characteristics and mechanical properties of biopolymer/mastic gum microsized particles composites

Biopolymer/mastic gum (MG) particles composites were prepared by incorporating microsized MG particles in gel matrices based on,Gelatin. egg white or polysaccharides and their mechanical properties as influenced by MG content and particle size were investigated. Observation studies under the microscope were conducted to determine the structural features of the MG composites. The findings were combined with data on protein adsorption to MG particle surface to discuss the mechanical properties of the gels, which differed substantially depending on the biopolymer involved in gel network structure development. A mechanism is put forward to explain the role of MG particles as filler materials of biopolymer gel matrices. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.