Development of highly biodegradable and sustainable films based on pequi pulp

This work aimed to develop films based on pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) pulp added of gelatin and plasticizer (glycerol or sorbitol) and characterize their properties and biodegradation in different soils. The films were presented with a good appearance, easy to handle, and with a predominant yellowish color. The greater the addition of plasticizers (3.5%), the greater the elongation and the lower the tensile strength of the films. The higher the gelatin (7%) and the lower the plasticizer (1.5%) concentrations, the higher the tensile strength. Thermal analysis allowed to observe a desirable characteristic for packing films: a band between 2Ɵ = 21° for both glycerol and sorbitol films, which is present in low crystalline films, reducing the incidence of light in the products. Films were at the most 100% degraded over a period of 5 to 9 days. Thus, the films obtained are recommended to be utilized for food packaging applications. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]