Study On The Gamma Irradiation Method For Formation Of Biodegradable films Applied In Packaging And Preservation Of Some Preliminary Processed Agricultural Products

In this study, the different compositions of starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were irradiated by gamma radiation for preparation of biodegradable packaging films. The intact and smooth films were formed by irradiation treatment. The gelation of the starch-based films was significantly enhanced by radiation cross linking. Gel fractions of the irradiated films increased with the increasing of radiation dose from 5 to 15 kGy, whereas their enzymatic degradation rate and water vapor transmission rate decreased. The mechanical properties of these cross linked films were also measured and compared to PE films with the same dimension. The results indicated that the radiation treatment has induced the cross linking between starch and PVA and thus improved the functional properties of the conventional starch-based films. (author)