Efficient gas barrier properties of multi-layer films based on poly(lactic acid) and fish gelatin

Multi-layer film structures of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and fish gelatin (FG), prepared using the solvent casting technique, were studied in an effort to produce bio-based films with low oxygen (OP) and water vapor permeability (WVP). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of triple-layer film showed that the outer PLA layers are being closely attached to the inner FG layer to make continuous film. The OP of multi-layer film (5.02 cm(3)/m(2) day bar) decreased more than 8-fold compared with that of the PLA film, and the WVP of multi-layer film (0.125 g mm/ kPa h m(2)) also decreased 11-fold compared with that of the FG film. Lamination with PLA profoundly increased the water resistance of the bare gelatin film. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of the triple-layer film (25 +/- 2.13 MPa) was greater than that of FG film (7.48 +/- 1.70 MPa). At the same time, the resulting film maintains high optical clarity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis also revealed that the materials were compatible showing only one Tg which decreased with FG deposition. This material exhibits an environmental-friendliness potential and a high versatility in food packaging. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.