Studies on the Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Gelatin Based Films Using 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate by Gamma Radiation

Abstract

Gelatin films were prepared by casting. Tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (Eb) of the gelatin films were found to be 46 MPa and 3.5%, respectively. Effect of gamma radiation (Co-60) on the thermo-mechanical properties of the gelatin films was studied. 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was added to the gelatin during casting varying (10% - 30% by weight) and found to increase the TS significantly. Then the films were irradiated and found further increase of TS. Thermo-mechanical properties of HEMA blended gelatin films were compared with those of the pure gelatin films. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the gelatin/HEMA films were also measured using thermo mechanical analyzer and found opposite trend with comparison of glass point.