Researches on the barrier and mechanical properties of collagen based films containing nano-TiO2

Collagen, a natural macromolecular protein from renewable resources, is widely used in many industrial applications. The manufacture and potential application of biodegradable films for packaging has gained increased interest as alternatives to conventional packaging polymers due to the sustainable nature associated with their availability, broad and abundant source range, compostability and environmentally-friendly. In this thesis study, films based on collagen hydrolysate (CH) containing nano-TiO2 at 0, 0,5, 1,0 and 2,0 % were prepared by casting method and their pyscochemical properties were examined. The results showed that the thickness of CH films increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with the increase in nano-TiO2 concentration. The addition of TiO2 increased the tensile strength of CH films increased from 10.45 to 12.66 MPa upon increasing nano-TiO2 content. In addition, the metallic nature of nano-TiO2 considerably improved the barrier properties of the CH films against UV light at low concentration, while it increased their opacity. The data of Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicate that the interfacial interaction between the CH matrix and TiO2 nanoparticles. The result of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows a uniform distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles into the CH matrix. In conclusion, the reutilization of CH for the production of environmental degradable films appears feasible and promising.