Development\nof Hematite Nano Ellipsoids/Pectin Composite\nFilms for Green Packaging Applications

Synthetic packaging materials are known to cause serious\nenvironmental\nand human health problems. Among the eco-friendly biopolymers from\nnonfood sources that are suitable for packaging applications, pectin\nis a promising candidate. However, native pectin films (NPF) exhibit\npoor mechanical strength, high hydrophilicity, and poor gas diffusion\nbarrier properties. These shortcomings offset the advantages of pectin\nas a potential packaging material. To address these limitations, in\nthis study, hematite nano ellipsoids (HNEs) were incorporated as fillers\nto reinforce native pectin films. This reinforcement resulted in substantial\nimprovements in the mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, thermal\nstability, barrier properties, and optical attributes of pectin films.\nCompared to NPF, the pectin–hematite composite film exhibited\na 35% increase in tensile strength, a 30° increase in contact\nangle, a 6-fold increase in the oxygen diffusion barrier properties,\nand a 20% increase in the water vapor barrier properties. This study\npresents a sustainable, biocompatible, and biodegradable packaging\nsolution by capitalizing on eco-friendly biopolymer and nanoparticle\nengineering.