Modification of gelatin films using 2-ethylhexyl acrylate by gamma radiation

Abstract

Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin granules in aqueous medium by casting. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break and glass point of the gelatin films were found to be 30 MPa, 450 MPa, 7.1% and 56.5°C, respectively. After irradiation with gamma radiation, the tensile properties increased due to the dense network structure. A series of gelatin solutions was prepared by blending varying percentages (1–10% by wt) of ethylhexyl acrylate and then films were prepared and irradiated with gamma radiation. It was found that the tensile and thermal properties of gelatin films improved significantly. Water uptake of the gelatin films was evaluated.