Study of Hybrid Humic Acids Modification of Environmentally Safe Biodegradable Films Based on Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose

The possibility of increasing the strength and operational properties of ecologically safe biodegradable polymeric materials based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose by using its modification with the different types of humic acids (HAs) from lignite is considered. Hybrid ecologically safe high-strength films with antibacterial properties were obtained for the first time. Physicochemical studies and IR spectroscopy confirmed the development of hybrid structures of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, modified with the different types of HAs. Changes in water absorption, tensile strength, relative elongation at break, and time of mold appearance for the environmentally safe biodegradable polymeric materials based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose were revealed depending on the content of the different types of humic acids. It was also shown that the hybrid modification of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose with the different types of HAs allows preserving the biodegradability of the films along with imparting the antibacterial properties. The developed ecologically safe biodegradable films with antibacterial properties based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and HAs, in terms of their operational characteristics, are superior to the known similar biodegradable films based on natural biopolymers.