Biodegradable plastics can help tackle plastic packaging waste, which has serious consequences on the environment. However, current bio-based materials often lack strength, have poor thermal and barrier properties and are expensive. This study proposes a solution: biodegradable, edible pectin–alginate films reinforced with abundant and inexpensive orange peel powder (OPP). This study stands out for its comprehensive analysis of mechanical, thermal, barrier, morphological and biodegradable properties by adjusting the type, amount and size of OPP in the formulation. The resulting fully biodegradable films with 2% calcium chloride (CaCl₂), 0.7 g/g glycerol and 30% finely ground OPP not only matched the quality of commercial packaging films in terms of mechanical properties but also exhibited promising qualities in terms of thermal, morphological and water barrier properties for packaging applications. Made from natural, edible and vegan materials, these films offer an eco-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable plastics, enhancing biocomposite properties and also providing a sustainable solution to organic waste.

中文翻译：

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食用果胶-海藻酸盐/橙皮生物复合膜的结构-性能关系

可生物降解的塑料可以帮助解决对环境造成严重后果的塑料包装废物。然而，目前的生物基材料通常强度不足、热性能和阻隔性能差并且价格昂贵。这项研究提出了一个解决方案：用丰富且廉价的橙皮粉（OPP）增强可生物降解的可食用果胶-海藻酸盐薄膜。这项研究通过调整配方中 OPP 的类型、用量和尺寸，对机械、热、阻隔、形态和生物降解性能进行了综合分析。由此产生的完全可生物降解薄膜含有 2% 氯化钙 (CaCl ₂ )、0.7 g/g 甘油和 30% 细磨 OPP，不仅在机械性能方面与商业包装薄膜的质量相匹配，而且在热性能、包装应用的形态和防水性能。这些薄膜由天然、可食用和纯素材料制成，为不可生物降解的塑料提供了一种环保的替代品，增强了生物复合材料的性能，并为有机废物提供了可持续的解决方案。