Development of Dense Films from Melia Azedarach Polysaccharides

Abstract

The aim of this work was to prepare dense films from polysaccharides extracted from Melia azedarach (MA) to be used e.g. in agricultural industry. Crosslinking of MA films with glutaraldehyde (Glu) through immersion method were performed. Structural features of films were elucidated by FTIR and XRD analysis. The influence of crosslinking in mechanical properties, water uptake and water vapor permeation was evaluated. Results showed neat Melia azedarach film presented high elongation and elastic modulus. Hydroxyl functional groups present in MA were reacted with glutaraldheyde to render a crosslinked matrix. It was observed through FTIR analysis that OH band reduces intensity due to the formation of acetal linkage, as the crosslinking time increases. XRD evidenced structural changes in MA arrangement with the crosslinking time. Chemical crosslinking during 12 h and 24 h rendered insoluble but less deformable films. Water uptake and water vapor permeability were reduced as the crosslinking time increased.