Extraction of Pectin from Ripe Plantain Peel, Fabrication and Characterization of Composite (Pectin/PVA/Glycerol) Films Produced from the Extracted Pectin

Abstract

High methoxyl pectin (DE = 59.53%) was extracted from plantain peel using acid extraction method. Pectin yield was 40.5%; moisture content was 87.56%; equivalent weight was 1000 g/ml, and galacturonic acid content was 2.89 mg/ml. Composite polymer films incorporating the extracted pectin manifest their best mechanical properties; tensile strength and % elongation of 5.51 MPa and 5.75% respectively with 10 ml glycerol/1g pectin. Raman spectra peaks at 2930 cm1, 1750 cm–1 and 820 cm–1 indicated CH-stretch, C=O ester group of pectin and COH ring in pectin respectively. Films containing pectin sourced from waste are considered potential alternative sources of environmentally benign packaging materials.