Preparation and Characterization of Novel Green Seaweed Films from Ulva rigida

Ulva rigida green seaweed is an abundant biomass consisting of polysaccharides and protein mixtures a potential bioresource for bioplastic food packaging. This research prepared characterized novel biodegradable films from extracts. The water-soluble fraction was extracted into films. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance indicated the presence rhamnose, glucuronic sulfate polysaccharides, while major amino acid components determined via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were aspartic acid, glutamic alanine glycine. Seaweed extracts formulated with glycerol triethyl citrate (20% 30%) showed non-homogeneous microstructures, as scanning electron microscopy, due to immiscible crystalline component mixtures. X-ray diffraction also modified morphology different plasticizers, infrared spectra suggested interaction between plasticizers polymers hydrogen bonding. addition decreased glass transition temperature −36 °C control −62 30% glycerol, indicating better plasticization. Water vapor oxygen permeability retained at up 20% plasticizer content, further increased water 6.5 g·mm/m2·day·KPa, below 20 mL·mm/m2·day·atm when blending 30%. Adding efficiently improved tensile stress strain by 4- 3-fold, respectively. Glycerol-plasticized extract produced bio-based materials that supported sustainable