Effect of plasticizer on biodegradability, physical, and morphological properties of κ-carrageenan biopolymer films

Eucheuma cottonii is a seaweed rich in kappa-carrageenan, with great potential as a biodegradable polymers substitute for synthetic polymers. Due to the fragility of seaweed films, plasticizing agents are added to improve the elasticity of the films. This study investigated the effects of various concentrations (25-50 %, w/v) of glycerol as a plasticizer on the mechanical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties of kappa-carrageenan films. The results showed that the FTIR spectra showed no significant difference in any of the films. Films with 30 % glycerol volume had the highest tensile strength of 8.02 MPa. SEM results showed that the morphology of kappa-carrageenan films was coarser with increasing glycerol concentration. Adding glycerol increased the film's thermal stability, with a maximum temperature of 277 degrees C for 25 % glycerol. The kappa-carrageenan film demonstrates potential as a biodegradable packaging material derived from renewable biomass, and as a candidate for pharmaceutical capsule applications.