Effect of addition of nanoclay, beeswax, tween-80 and glycerol on physicochemical properties of guar gum films

Effect of addition of nanoclay (nanofil-116), beeswax, tween-80 and glycerol on physicochemical properties of guar gum (GG) films was studied using response surface methodology (RSM). Beeswax produced reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and tensile strength (TS). An improvement in TS with reduction in WVTR was observed due to nanoclay. Concentrations of various additives were optimized to prepare films with improved properties. Optimized concentrations (beeswax: 0.63%; nanoclay: 2.5%; tween-80: 0.63%; glycerol: 11.87% w/w GG) resulted in TS of 98 MPa and WVTR of 89 g/m(2)/d. Compatibility between GG and beeswax was further increased using gamma irradiation. RSM study with 50 kGy irradiated beeswax was performed and optimum concentration of tween-80 (0.88%), irradiated beeswax (50 kGy) (1.21%), glycerol (13.91%), nanoclay (3.07%) wiw of GG resulted in films having TS of 122 MPa and WVTR of 69 g/m(2)/d. Guar gum based films with improved mechanical and barrier properties were successfully prepared. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.