Study of Mechanical Properties of Gelatin Matrix with NaTPP Crosslink Films Reinforced with Agar

The majority of the polymeric materials used in the industry are derived from petroleum and decompose slowly, resulting in waste that poses environmental issues. As a result, there has been a concerted effort to find alternative materials that cover their engineering performance. Biopolymers have emerged as leading contenders because they can mimic the properties of synthetic polymers while being derived from natural and renewable sources. Several projects are focused on developing biomaterials for these applications. This study presents a modification of the mechanical properties of a gelatin-based material with the crosslinking agent sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTPP) by reinforcement with agar. The gelatin–agar (G-Ax) samples exhibited a homogeneous color and flexibility, sharing similar crystalline structures and functional groups. However, the transversal section of the gelatin-only film was modified by the addition of agar, from a porous morphology to a lamellar morphology at nanometric scale thickness. Notably, the agar samples demonstrated greater stress resistance, yield stress, and strain than the gelatin-only sample. These findings highlight the potential of biopolymers such as gelatin and agar as viable alternatives to conventional materials, contributing to the research on eco-friendly solutions for different engineering applications.