Ecologically sustainable biodegradable polymers fabricated from banana peel pectin reinforced with silver zeolite nanoparticles (Ag/zeolite NPs)

In the present investigation, the formulation and thorough assessment of biodegradable composite films were conducted, utilizing pectin extracted from banana peel in conjunction with synthesized silver zeolite nanoparticles. The evaluation of physical properties, microstructural investigation, mechanical characteristics, and barrier properties was done providing valuable insights into various attributes of the film. The amalgamation of silver zeolite nanoparticles with the extracted pectin from banana peel results in biodegradable composite films exhibiting distinct physical, mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties. Optimal mechanical characteristics were recorded in films containing 0.75 % Ag-ZY, demonstrating a tensile strength of 43.22 ± 0.12 MPa and a Young's modulus of 829.61 ± 0.71 MPa, while the elongation at break exhibited a decline as the filler concentration escalated. The barrier properties were enhanced with the integration of Ag-ZY. At a concentration of 0.75 % Ag-ZY, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and water vapor permeability (WVP) reached their lowest measurements. The thermal stability increased, with the glass transition temperature (Tg) increasing from 70.31 °C in the baseline film to 135.53 °C when 0.75 % Ag-ZY was added. These results elucidate that the incorporation of 0.75 % silver zeolite nanoparticles into banana peel pectin films significantly improved mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties.