Preparation and Mechanical Characterization of Gelatin-Based Films Using 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Cured by UV Radiation

Abstract

Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin granules in aqueous medium by casting. Tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation at break of the gelatin films were found to be 27 MPa, 100 MPa and 4%, respectively. Gelatin films were soaked in five different formulations containing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (10–50%, by wt), methanol and photoinitiator and then cured under UV radiation. Again, a series of gelatin solutions was prepared by blending varying percentages (10–50% by wt) of HEMA and then films were prepared and UV cured. It was found that tensile properties of gelatin films improved significantly.