Synthesis and characteristics of konjac glucomannan films incorporated with functionalized microcrystalline cellulose

To development of konjac glucomannan (KGM) based films for use in food packaging is increasing because of environmental attraction, biodegradability and availability. The objective of this research was to prepare a facile approach for KGM based films. Polydopamine (PDA) functionalized microcrystalline cellulose (PFMC) were incorporated into a KGM matrix. The KGM/PFMC films were prepared by the solvent casting method. The surface morphology of the KGM/PFMC films were generated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The crystal structure and thermal ability of the film were generated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Rheological behavior, elemental and characteristic peak changes were developed by rheology, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Incorporation of PFMC increased the mechanical properties owing to the high ratio (0.2 g) of PFMC and strong interactions with the KGM. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films were significantly decreased. Moreover, PFMC also gave KGM/PFMC films high thermal stability. The results suggest that that KGM/PFMC film is a promising food packaging material.