Authors: Woods, Kristen Kruger; Selling, Gordon W.

Source: Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, Volume 1, Number 2, August 2007 , pp. 282-288(7)

Publisher: American Scientific Publishers

Abstract:

The effect of crosslinking reagents glyoxal, methylglyoxal and formaldehyde on physical properties of zein films was studied. Zein was solubilized in 90% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and the pH was adjusted with either hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. Crosslinking reagents were added to give 0.3, 1, 3 and 6% (w/w by zein weight), with the reactions carried out at 60 °C. Triethylene glycol was added as a plasticizer. Films were cast and dried at room temperature, with cut bars stored at 50% and 70% relative humidity before testing. Films crosslinked with glyoxal and formaldehyde showed a significant increase in tensile strength under certain pH conditions. Films of glyoxal reactions conducted at basic pH gave the highest overall tensile strength, with a 52% increase compared to the control film. Formaldehyde films had improved tensile strength when reacted at acidic or neutral pH. Methylglyoxal had no effect on the tensile strength of zein films. Zein films crosslinked with glyoxal or formaldehyde were found to swell, rather than degrade, when placed in three compatible solvents. Films crosslinked with glyoxal were resistant to boiling water. Denaturing gel electrophoresis of glyoxal and formaldehyde reactions showed the presence of high molecular weight moieties when compared to control reactions.

Keywords: ZEIN; GLYOXAL; FORMALDEHYDE; METHYLGLYOXAL; CROSSLINKING REAGENT; TENSILE STRENGTH; ELONGATION

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1166/jbmb.2007.033

Publication date: 2007-08-01

More about this publication?

• The goal of the creation of a biobased economy is challenging to agriculture, forestry, academia, government and industry. The extractable resources of the Earth are finite, regardless of the quibble over when they will be depleted. The economic, political and social demands for biobased chemicals, materials and energy are expected to radically transform the materials industries, particularly the plastics industry as well as the biofuel industry. These changes will be based on the principles of sustainability, eco-efficiency, industrial ecology, and green chemistry and engineering. In keeping with the growth of knowledge in this field, there is a strong need for a forum to share original research related to biobased materials and bioenergy. The Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy (JBMB) has been created as an international peer-reviewed periodical to fulfill the need for communication in these research areas. This journal will encompass related research activities in all fields of science, engineering and the life sciences.
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