Variation of blending ratio and drying temperature optimize the physical properties and compatibility of HPMC/curdlan films

Abstract

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and curdlan (CL) were used to prepare uniform films. The influence of the composition ratios and drying temperature on the microstructures, compatibility and physical performance of HPMC/CL films were studied. The crystalline peaks corresponding to CL component of HPMC/CL films increased with the increasing CL content. Increasing CL content resulted in increased hydrogen bonds in HPMC/CL film, reduced transmittance at 500 nm, oxygen permeability and water solubility of the HPMC/CL films. Higher drying temperature led to increased phase separation and decreased physical properties of pure HPMC film, and led to increased compatibility, cross-section smoothness, oxygen barrier property and mechanical properties of pure CL and blending films.

Keywords: Blending ratio; Compatibility; Curdlan; Drying temperature; Edible film; Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC); Microstructures; Physical properties.