Biodegradable composite films based on waste gelatin

Gelatin, a naturally occurring polymer, is currently used in various applications comprising manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, x-ray and photographic films development and food processing. However, gelatin scraps generated in the different manufacturing processes may constitute a concern for the environment. Basically speaking, waste disposal deriving from plastics based on synthetic as well as semisynthetic polymeric materials, is becoming an increasingly difficult problem for their unfavorable volume-to-weight ratio and extremely wide variability of type, shape and composition of post consume plastic items that hinder the way to a general unique option for a simple and economically feasible management. As a partial solution to the global issue of plastic waste, in recent years much interest has been devoted to the formulation of environmentally degradable plastic items. Biodegradable mulching films were formulated from blends and composites based on waste gelatin and other natural waste such as sugarcane bagasse or synthetic materials such as PVA. Also, crosslinked films were produced using external or inherent crosslinker. The films were produced either by casting method or spraying on soil surface. The composites were submitted to biodegradation trials. The results showed that the films were biodegradable and the crosslinking could delay and predeterminate their biodegradation rate and extent.