Development of bionanocomposites of pectin and nanoemulsions of carnauba wax and neem oil pectin/carnauba wax/neem oil composites

The search for biodegradable materials motivated the development of new materials for the food industry. Biomaterials (pectin, starch, and chitosan) are considered promising biodegradable polymers for developing or improving materials. This study aimed to develop biodegradable bionanocomposite films with neem oil and carnauba wax nanoemulsion using pectin (high methyl esterification) polymer matrix; and to evaluate the nanoemulsions effects on the water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability properties of the films. Nanoemulsions were characterized by the polydispersity index and mean particle diameter. These results showed an average diameter of 59 to 69 nm. The pectin and 30% of neem oil nanoemulsions showed a 27% reduction in WVP. In addition, the mechanical property was optimized. Young module showed a 66% to 75% reduction for pectin and 30% of carnauba wax film and pectin and 30% of neem oil film. In the biodegradability analysis was presented a very fast degradation in soil. In addition, there was no macroresidue formation in soil with neem oil films during the biodegradation process. This result showed a weight loss after 45 days of testing. Developed bionanocompositie materials have great potential for application in emerging packagings (edible films and coatings) for the food industry and agribusiness area (food and seeds).