Novel natural composite films as packaging materials with enhanced properties.

The present work was devoted to prepare novel natural composite films based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin and/or shellac. Four composites films series were prepared by altering the film compositions from CMC and gelatin or shellac. The composite films were prepared by solution casting in presence of glycerol (30% weight). Films were characterized by SEM, air permeability (porosity), tensile strength, burst strength, TGA and WVP. Antimicrobial activity in opposition to E. coli, B. mycoides and C. albicans were also investigated. The results revealed that, films exhibit flexibility with good antimicrobial, tensile strength, homogeneity, transparency, elongation properties, reduce porosity & air permeability and without signs of particles aggregation. Gelatin/CMC (50/50%) film was the most important one with respect to thermal stability, which exhibit a high thermal stability up to 800 °C. This study opens the door to use cellulosic composite materials to produce environmentally friendly, low-cost and sustainable packaging materials.