Effect of pickering emulsion based on carboxymethylcellulose on barrier properties of biodegradable composite material

Polymer waste is a mixture of substances, objects and their parts that have lost their consumer properties during operation and are intended for disposal. Polymer waste has been decomposing for more than 100 years with the formation of microplastics. The accumulation of polymer waste and the difficulty of recycling it is a global problem and has a negative impact on the environment. Scientists all over the world are looking for a solution to this problem. Biodegradable composite materials and packages based on them with improved barrier properties obtained on the basis of secondary raw materials can become one of the possible ways to solve this problem. To improve the barrier properties of the material, our research suggests using a Pickering emulsion based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in the matrix at different dosages of its application (0,5; 1,5; 2,0 %) and determining its optimum. As part of the study, 4 film samples were prepared. During the study, film samples were evaluated for such indicators as thickness, water content, and solubility in water, opacity, microscopy, water absorption and biodegradability in compost. As a result of processing experimental data from film samples (biodegradable composite material), the best performance was established for the sample with the addition of a Pickering emulsion loaded with CMC in the amount of 2,0 %. The developed materials and packages can find their application in the food industry and solve or minimize environmental problems.