Barrier properties of film eco-materials based on emulsions loaded with sodium alginate

Environmental problems associated with household waste today do not lose their relevance. All over the world, scientists are developing formulations and technologies for producing biodegradable materials alternatives to plastics, including from plant waste, but there is no ready-made solution. The main conditions for the effective replacement of plastics with biodegradable materials (films) are: high barrier properties combined with plasticity and safety during biodegradation in compost systems for the environment. To improve the barrier properties of an organic biodegradable film, our research proposes the use of direct oil-in-water emulsions loaded with sodium alginate in the material matrix, which determined the purpose of the study. Direct oil-in-water emulsions based on sodium alginate obtained from brown Arctic algae kelp of different concentrations (0.5; 1.0; 1.5 %) on the barrier properties of biodegradable composite packaging (film). As part of the study, 4 film samples were prepared. During the study, film samples were assessed for such indicators as thickness, water content, water solubility, opacity, vapor permeability and water absorption and determination of the migration of components into food simulants. As a result of processing experimental data from samples of biodegradable eco-material, the best performance was established for samples with the addition of an emulsion loaded with sodium alginate in an amount of 1.5 %. The developed biodegradable material can be used to create composite packaging materials and non-durable products to solve environmental problems.