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Pectin–$${ ext{SiO}}_{2}$$ composites: Assessment some physical properties
Summary
This study evaluated pectin films reinforced with silicon dioxide as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic food packaging, analyzing their mechanical strength, moisture content, aqueous solubility, and infrared spectra. Developing sustainable packaging materials directly addresses the food industry's role as the largest generator of plastic waste that fragments into microplastics contaminating landfills and ecosystems.
The food packaging industry is the largest contributor to global waste, often in the form of microplastics that accumulate in landfills and ecosystems, leading to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the death of living organisms. Therefore, there is a need for alternative, sustainable materials with mechanical and barrier properties that are equal to or better than those of conventional food packaging, in order to mitigate these harmful effects and decrease the unsustainable use of plastics. This article analyses the mechanical properties, moisture content, and aqueous solubility of silicon oxide-reinforced pectin films, along with their IR spectra, to assess their potential as viable food packaging materials.