Physical properties of films based on pectin and babassu coconut mesocarp

The objective of this research was to study the physical properties, water sorption, thermal and structure of films made from citrus pectin (CP), babassu coconut mesocarp (BCM) and glycerol (G). Seventeen formulations were prepared according to a central compound rotational design combining different proportions of the materials and evaluating the films produced according to their moisture contents, solubility, thicknesses and water vapor permeability. The results showed a direct relationship between the composition of the film and each physical property, providing films with unique mechanical characteristics and barrier properties. In the second phase, the films were reformulated, maintaining the proportions of CP and BCM constant and altering the G content. The results showed films with permeable structures, thus favoring the use of high drying temperatures (up to 70 °C) for the confection of films, without altering their physical and structural properties.