Composite films based on waste gelatin: thermal-mechanical properties and biodegradation testing

Within a research project on the utilization of waste and raw material from agricultural and industrial by-products, a thorough investigation was carried out on the propensity to biodegradation behaviour of casting films based on waste gelatin (WG). After characterization of thermal and thermomechanical behaviour of the present blends biodegradation experiments were carried out under incubation conditions aimed at simulating soil burial conditions. The results reported here evidenced the complete and very fast biodegradability of waste gelatin cast films. The effect of a crosslinker agent such as glutaraldeyde on both thermal properties than degradation rate was further investigated. Parallel biodegradation testing were carried out on composite films based on waste gelatin, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blends comprising sugar cane bagasse as Her. The possibility of modulating the durability of the films by crosslinking and blending with poly(vinyl alcohol) and/or lignocellulosic waste material was also ascertained. The films meant to be used for the preparation of self fertilizing mulches tended to be disintegrated by soaking in water at relatevely fast rate depending upon the PVA or crosslinker content. The biodegradation extent reached levels after 30-60 days of incubation in any case lower than that reached with WG films. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.