Preparation and characterization of red seaweed/calcium carbonate composite films

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the influence of inorganic filler on the properties of seaweed-based film. Seaweed composite films were prepared from raw red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) in the presence of glycerol with the incorporation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Solution casting technique was used to form films and dried at 40 ˚C in the ventilation oven for 24 hours. The effects of different CaCO3 concentrations [0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% (wt. %)] on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties were determined. Molecular interaction between the functional groups of red seaweed and CaCO3was examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained result demonstrated that the addition of CaCO3 improved the neat seaweed film properties in terms of tensile strength, hydrophobicity, thermal properties and reduced the problem of brittleness encountered in seaweed-based film. However, excessive loading of CaCO3 had led to weaker film properties. Raw red seaweed and CaCO3 has shown compatibility through the analyses of FTIR, thermal, and mechanical of the composite films.