Development and Characterization of sodium alginate-based packaging reinforced with Zea mays husk fibers

The environmental pollution created by non-biodegradable, petroleum-based packaging materials has caused to improvement in the demand for biodegradable packaging materials. This work focused on the synthesis of biodegradable packaging films using sodium Alginate reinforced with bleached Zea mays husk fibers. The fibers were reacted with NaOH and H₂O₂ to remove residual lignin and hemicellulose to improve the binding between alginate and cellulose fibers. They were mixed with Sodium Alginate, Glycerol, and DI water to form films via solution casting. The resulting films exhibited 20.02 Mpa tensile strength with 7.50M of optimal bleaching condition. The FTIR analysis spectra ensured the removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Developed films show enhanced tensile properties with low water content and vapor permeability. Hence, these films show well-fitted properties for the packaging materials.