Surface modification of Polymers to enable gelatin coating for Plastic Reduction

Authors:

Summera Tariq, Nusrat Sharmin, Izumi Sone, Eduardo Alexandre Barros e Silva

Summary

The global issue of plastic waste continues to pose significant environmental challenges, particularly in the domain of food packaging where conventional polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dominate due to their durability and low cost. However, these materials are non-biodegradable and contribute heavily to long-term pollution. This thesis explores the use of porcine gelatin as a biodegradable coating material aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of synthetic plastics through enhanced surface modification techniques. The study investigates two surface treatment methods UV treatment and chemical oxidation using sodium persulfate (Na₂S₂O₈)—to enable effective adhesion of gelatin to plastic films. Experimental procedures involved surface treatment of PET, PP, and PE films followed by gelatin coating preparation and evaluation of mechanical and barrier properties. Key performance indicators such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) were measured to assess the effectiveness of coatings. Results showed that UV treatment was effective only for PET, while chemical oxidation significantly improved adhesion on all three polymers. Additionally, the incorporation of gellan polysaccharide in the gelatin matrix further enhanced barrier properties. These findings indicate that combining chemical oxidation with biopolymer coatings offers a promising route toward sustainable packaging alternatives. The research contributes to the broader goal of developing eco-friendly materials that balance performance with environmental responsibility, laying the groundwork for scalable plastic reduction strategies in food packaging industries.

Year
2025
Language
English

Publication type Master thesis