Properties of Bio-nanocomposite Films from Tilapia Skin Gelatin as Affected by Different Nanoclays and Homogenising Conditions

Fish gelatin films incorporated with hydrophilic and hydrophobic montmorillonite (mmt) nanoclays with the aid of homogenisation using different pressure levels (1,000 to 4,000 lb/in2) and passes (two and four) were characterised. Young’s Modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break of films decreased with increasing pressure levels and number of passes. High pressure homogenisation generally lowered the mechanical properties of nanocomposite films. Additionally, water vapour barrier property became poorer, when high pressure homogenisation was implemented. Films incorporated with hydrophobic nanoclay (Cloisite 20A) exhibited the lower water vapour permeability (WVP) than those with hydrophilic nanoclay (Cloisite Na+). Colour parameters (L*, a*, b* and ∆E*) of nanocomposite films were affected to some degrees by homogenisation conditions. Transparency of films increased when homogenisation pressure and number of passes increased. As revealed by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis, nanocomposite films prepared using homogenisation had exfoliated nanostructure, whilst those prepared without homogenisation exhibited intercalated nanostructure. Thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analyses indicated that thermal stability of nanocomposite films varied with homogenisation condition, being higher in these films than in those without nanoclay. Thus, homogenisation condition and hydrophobicity of nanoclay directly affected the properties of nanocomposite films from fish skin gelatin.