The Effect of Glutaraldehyde on the Properties of Gelatin Films

Abstract

In this work gelatin film was prepared from cow’s bone. In order to increase mechanical stability of the prepared transparent film as well as decrease its swelling, glutaraldehyde (GTA) was used. Different mass fractions of GTA were utilized. It was observed that at w = 0.18 % of GTA the load at break of the film is d = 53.7 N and the solubility decreased. The solubility of the film was measured as a dependant parameter of the swelling behavior. In this case it was decreased from 389 % to 156 % at 5 min for gelatin films without GTA and with 0.18 % GTA, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy results showed a peak for crosslinked gelatin at ~ = 1650 cm–1. It means the crosslinking between gelatin and GTA has taken place. SEM micrographs confirm the porosity has decreased by increasing the GTA fraction, which is an indication of higher strength.