Abstract
Crosslinking is a promising way to fabricate high-performance aerogels. In this study, vanillin (Van) crosslinked gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol (Gel−PVA) aerogels were prepared by vacuum freeze-drying method. The effects of different addition levels of Van on FTIR spectra, microstructures and physicochemical properties including water stability, mechanical properties, thermal stability and thermal insulation properties of aerogels were characterized, and antimicrobial activity of aerogels were validated. The results showed that Van exerted its crosslinking function through Schiff base bonding with Gel and hydrogen bonding with Gel and PVA. Although Van addition caused a slight decline in the thermal insulation performance and the obvious increase in pore diameter of aerogels, moderate Van crosslinking contributed to water stability, mechanical properties and thermal stability of aerogels. Besides, Van crosslinked Gel−PVA aerogel could effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli and B. cinerea. This suggests that the aerogel has promising applications in antimicrobial food packaging.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
