Structure and mechanical properties of biopolymer films with incorporated tea tree essential oil

Polysaccharide films with essential oil of tea tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia ) with a concentration of 1% were developed by casting and evaporation of the solvent. To improve the mechanical properties of the films, plasticizer glycerol was added. The intermolecular interactions of polysaccharides and essential oil were evaluated, and for this purpose, the infrared spectra were taken using Fourier transformation. Film surface was examined using an electron scanning microscope. Data were obtained on the mechanical properties of the films, such as deformation, strength, and modulus of elasticity. The research results confirm the potential for incorporating essential oils into the polysaccharide matrix for food applications as edible films.