Preparation and study of carboxymethyl cellulose biodegradable films properties containing Mentha pulegium essential oil

Abstract

The current research presents the physicochemical, antioxidant, mechanical, and antimicrobial features of biocomposite films on the basis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) combined with essential oil (EO) of Mentha pulegium (MEO) (1, 2, and 3% v/v). Adding EOs enhanced the penetrability of water vapor and the solubility of films in water, while decreased absorption of moisture and level of moisture. Incorporation of MEO enhanced opacity, total color differences, and whiteness index. Generally, adding MEO into the CMC biocomposite reduced considerably young modulus and tensile strength, while enhanced elongation at the composite films break ( p < 0.05). The films incorporating MEO had excellent total phenolic and antioxidant features; this impact was significantly developed when the MEO was enhanced. Films comprising MEO controlled the microorganism’s growth efficiently. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the physicochemical features of the films and the features of the films were corresponded to their microstructure, which was found using scanning electron microscopy.