Film production and characterization from populus nigra l. (karakavak) seed fibers, egg yolk oil and chitosan mixture

Turkey, in terms of plant diversity is one of the richest countries, according to Middle East and European countries. Populus nigra L. is a woody plant known as poplar tree belonging to the Salicaceae family. Turkey poplar cultivation anywhere in the paper industry, furniture, packaging, chipboard, widely used in the manufacture of various products such as matches. It is said that the seed fibers (thrush) of the poplar tree cause diseases such as asthma and allergies among the public and these fibers carry pollen, but the fibers of P. nigra only collect the pollen in the air, its seeds never cause allergic or other diseases. Therefore, it is collected and burned as waste. This causes a high amount of carbon dioxide gas to be released into the atmosphere. According to literature, there are oil absorption studies and characterizations of P. nigra seed fibers. However, there is no study evaluating it as a biotechnological product. Egg yolk oil also has anti-moisture loss, skin softening, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties on the surface of the skin. It is also traditionally used in burn wound treatments. Chitosan, which has properties such as biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, is a natural polymer that is widely used in burn wound healing applications. In the present study, for the first time, a film based on cellulose microfiber impregnated with egg yolk oil was produced. Physico-chemical characterization of the films obtained was made using light microscope, SEM, FTIR and XRD devices. The thickness of the films, degradability in soil and water solubility were calculated. In addition, by taking advantage of the physicochemical properties of the fibers and their high level of fat absorption, an important alternative will be presented by evaluating the characterization.