Preparation and Characterization of Edible Carboxymethyl Cellulose Films Treated by Gamma Irradiation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jntas.2026.14.01.02Keywords:
Carboxymethyl cellulose, Gamma irradiation, Edible films, Thermal analysis, Gas barrier properties, Food packagingAbstract
This study aimed to develop and optimize edible food packaging films based on a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and glycerol (Glyc) bioblend by utilizing gamma irradiation as a modification technique. CMC/Glyc films were fabricated via the solvent casting method and subsequently exposed to low-dose gamma irradiation (0, 1, 2, and 3 kGy). The resulting films were characterized using Fourier- Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing (Tensile Strength and Elongation at Break), and comprehensive thermal analyses, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA). Additionally, barrier properties were evaluated through Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) and gas (O2 and CO2) transmission rates. The results demonstrated that low-dose irradiation (up to 3 kGy) significantly enhanced the functional properties of the films. Tensile strength increased from 32.33 MPa at 0 kGy to 34.24 MPa at 3 kGy, alongside a slight improvement in elongation. Irradiation promoted molecular cross- linking, which led to a denser polymer matrix, effectively reducing WVTR and gas permeability for both O2 and CO2. Thermal stability was also improved, with irradiated samples exhibiting higher residual char at 491°C compared to the control. Furthermore, optical transparency increased with the irradiation dose, reaching a maximum value of 2.79 at 3 kGy.
References
Abdel-Ghaffar, A. M., & Ali, H. E. (2022). Effect of gamma radiation on the properties of novel polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose/citric acid/glycerol bioblend film. Polymer Bulletin, 79, 5105–5119.
Abdel Ghaffar, A. M., & Ali, H. E. (2016). Radiation modification of the properties of polypropylene/carboxymethyl cellulose blends and their biodegradability. Bulletin of Materials Science, 39, 1809–1817.
Abdel Ghaffar, A. M., Ali, H. E., & Maziad, N. A. (2019). Modification of low-density polyethylene films by blending with natural polymers and curing by gamma radiation. Polymer Science Series B, 61, 776–784.
Abdel Ghaffar, A. M., Ali, H. E., Nasef, S. M., & El-Bialy, H. A. (2018). Effect of gamma radiation on the properties of crosslinked chitosan nanocomposite film. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 26, 3226–3236.
Abou Taleb, M. F., Abd El-Mohdy, H. L., & Abd El-Rehim, H. A. (2009). Radiation preparation of PVA/CMC copolymers and their application in removal of dyes. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 168, 68–75.
Algethami, M. (2025). Optical investigation of the effect of gamma radiation on synthesized PVA/CS/CMC blend membranes. Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences, 18, Article 101812.
Ali, H. E., & Abdel Ghaffar, A. M. (2017). Preparation and effect of gamma radiation on the properties and biodegradability of poly(styrene/starch) blends. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 130, 411–420.
Ali, H. E., Atta, A., & Senna, M. M. (2015). Physicochemical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/nano-sized titanium oxide (TiO₂) gamma irradiated composite. Arab Journal of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, 48, 44–52.
ASTM International. (2016). Standard test methods for water vapor transmission of materials (ASTM E96/E96M-16). ASTM International.
ASTM International. (2015). Standard test method for determining gas permeability characteristics of plastic film and sheeting (ASTM D1434-15). ASTM International.
ASTM International. (2005). Standard test methods for water vapor transmission of materials (ASTM E96). ASTM International.
ASTM International. (1995). Standard test method for tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting (ASTM D882). ASTM International.
Atta, O. M., Manan, S., Ul-Islam, M., Ahmed, A. A. Q., Ullah, M. W., & Yang, G. (2022). Development and characterization of plant oil-incorporated carboxymethyl cellulose/bacterial cellulose/glycerol-based antimicrobial edible films for food packaging applications. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, 5, 973–990.
Beghetto, V., Conca, S., & Santandrea, D. (2026). Carboxymethyl cellulose-based films for sustainable food packaging: Modification strategies and structure–property relationships. Polymers, 18(5), 552–554.
Bhattacharya, A. (2000). Radiation and industrial polymers. Progress in Polymer Science, 25, 371–401.
Buathongvong, P., Phewklieng, C., Srisujaritpanich, K., Somnuake, P., Teeka, W., & Wacharawichanant, S. (2026). Development of carboxymethyl cellulose/starch film composites using cellulose from sugarcane bagasse and titanium dioxide for active food packaging applications. Current Applied Science and Technology, Article e0268257.
Cerqueira, M. A., Souza, B. W. S., Teixeira, J. A., & Vicente, A. A. (2012). Effect of glycerol and corn oil on physicochemical properties of polysaccharide films: A comparative study. Food Hydrocolloids, 27(1), 175–184.
Chai, M. N., & Isa, M. I. N. (2013). The oleic acid composition effect on the carboxymethyl cellulose-based biopolymer electrolyte. Journal of Crystallization Process and Technology, 3(1), 4.
Chakravartula, S. S. N., Soccio, M., Lotti, N., Balestra, F., Dalla Rosa, M., & Siracusa, V. (2019). Characterization of composite edible films based on pectin/alginate/whey protein concentrate. Materials, 12(15), 2454.
Choi, J.-I., Kim, J.-H., Lee, K.-W., Song, B.-S., Yoon, Y., Byun, M.-W., & Lee, J.-W. (2009). Comparison of gamma ray and electron beam irradiations on the degradation of carboxymethylcellulose. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 26(6), 1825–1828.
Ciesla, K., Nowicki, A., & Buczkowski, M. (2008). Radiation-induced modification of the functional properties of edible films prepared using the starch and starch-lipid system (Report No. 1425-204X). Poland.
Cozzolino, R., Malvagna, P., Spina, E., Giori, A., Fuzzati, N., Anelli, A., Garozzo, D., & Impallomeni, G. (2006). Structural analysis of the polysaccharides from Echinacea angustifolia radix. Carbohydrate Polymers, 65(3), 263–277.
Dhall, R. K. (2013). Advances in edible coatings for fresh fruits and vegetables: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 53, 435–450.
El-Sakhawy, M., Tohamy, H.-A. S., Salama, A., & Kamel, S. (2019). Thermal properties of carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate. Cellulose Chemistry and Technology, 53, 667–675.
El-Sherbiny, I., Salama, A., & Sarhan, A. (2009). Grafting study and antifungal activity of a carboxymethyl cellulose derivative. International Journal of Polymeric Materials, 58, 453–467.
Fei, B., Wach, R. A., Mitomo, H., Yoshii, F., & Kume, T. (2000). Hydrogel of biodegradable cellulose derivatives. I. Radiation-induced crosslinking of CMC. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 78, 278–283.
García, M. A., Pinotti, A., Martino, M. N., & Zaritzky, N. E. (2009). Characterization of starch and composite edible films and coatings. In E. A. Baldwin, M. O. Nisperos-Carriedo, & R. H. Hagenmaier (Eds.), Edible films and coatings for food applications (pp. 169–209). Springer.
Garcia, M. A., Pinotti, A., & Zaritzky, N. (2006). Physicochemical, water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of corn starch and chitosan composite films. Starch/Stärke, 58, 453–463.
Grande Tovar, C. D., Castro, J. I., Valencia, C. H., Navia Porras, D. P., Mina Hernandez, J. H., Valencia, M. E., Velásquez, J. D., & Chaur, M. N. (2019). Preparation of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films incorporated with oxidized carbon nano-onions (multi-layer fullerenes) for tissue-engineering applications. Biomolecules, 9(11), 684.
Grande Tovar, C. D., Castro, J. I., Valencia Llano, C. H., Navia Porras, D. P., Delgado Ospina, J., Valencia Zapata, M. E., Herminsul Mina Hernandez, J., & Chaur, M. N. (2020). Synthesis, characterization, and histological evaluation of chitosan-Ruta graveolens essential oil films. Molecules, 25(7), 1688.
Guillard, V., Broyart, B., Bonazzi, C., Guilbert, S., & Gontard, N. (2003). Preventing moisture transfer in a composite food using edible films: Experimental and mathematical study. Journal of Food Science, 68(7), 2267–2277.
Gulati, I., Park, J., Maken, S., & Lee, M.-G. (2014). Production of carboxymethylcellulose fibers from waste lignocellulosic sawdust using NaOH/NaClO₂ pretreatment. Fibers and Polymers, 15(4), 680–686.
Gupta, H., Kumar, H., Kumar, M., Gehlaut, A., Gaur, A., Sachan, S., & Park, J.-W. (2019). Synthesis of biodegradable films obtained from rice husk and sugarcane bagasse to be used as food packaging material. Environmental Engineering Research, 25(4), 506–514.
Hakke, V. S., Bagale, U. D., Boufi, S., Babu, G., & Sonawane, S. H. (2020). Ultrasound assisted synthesis of starch nanocrystals and its applications with polyurethane for packaging film. Journal of Renewable Materials, 8, 239–250.
Han, J. H., & Floros, J. D. (1997). Casting antimicrobial packaging films and measuring their physical properties and antimicrobial activity. Journal of Plastic Film and Sheeting, 13, 287–298.
Hassan, B., Chatha, S. A. S., Hussain, A. I., Zia, K. M., & Akhtar, N. (2018). Recent advances on polysaccharides, lipids and protein based edible films and coatings: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 109, 1095–1107.
Hu, D., Wang, H., & Wang, L. (2016). Physical properties and antibacterial activity of quaternized chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose blend films. LWT – Food Science and Technology, 65, 398–405.
Ibrahim, S. M., & El Salmawi, K. M. (2013). Preparation and properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/sodium alginate (SA) blends induced by gamma irradiation. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 21, 520–527.
Ibrahim, S. M., Mousaa, I. M., & Ibrahim, M. S. (2014). Characterization of gamma irradiated plasticized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/gum arabic (GA) polymer blends as absorbents for dyestuffs. Bulletin of Materials Science, 37, 603–608.
James, J. (2017). Thermomechanical analysis and its applications. In Thermal and rheological measurement techniques for nanomaterials characterization (pp. 159–171). Elsevier.
Jouki, M., Khazaei, N., Ghasemlou, M., & Hadinezhad, M. (2013). Effect of glycerol concentration on edible film production from cress seed carbohydrate gum. Carbohydrate Polymers, 96(1), 39–46.
Joshi, G., Naithani, S., Varshney, V. K., Bisht, S. S., Rana, V., & Gupta, P. K. (2015). Synthesis and characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose from office waste paper: A greener approach towards waste management. Waste Management, 38, 33–40.
Ma, X., Chang, P., & Yu, J. (2008). Properties of biodegradable thermoplastic pea starch/carboxymethyl cellulose and pea starch/microcrystalline cellulose composites. Carbohydrate Polymers, 72, 369–375.
Mahmud, J., Heredia, J., Sharaby, M. R., Jaiswal, L., Salmieri, S., Moosavi, S. E., & Lacroix, M. (2026). Development of bioactive carboxymethyl cellulose-based films via dual crosslinking with citric acid and X-ray irradiation. Foods, 15(4), 713.
McHugh, T. H., Avena-Bustillos, R., & Krochta, J. M. (1993). Hydrophilic edible films: Modified procedure for water vapor permeability and explanation of thickness effects. Journal of Food Science, 58(4), 899–903.
Mei, L., Shi, L., Song, X., Liu, S., Cheng, Q., Zhu, K., & Zhuge, R. (2021). Characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose films incorporated with Chinese fir essential oil and their application to quality improvement of Shine Muscat grape. Coatings, 11, 97.
Mohkami, M., & Talaeipour, M. (2014). Investigation of the chemical structure of carboxylated and carboxymethylated fibers from waste paper via XRD and FTIR analysis. BioResources, 6, 1988–2003.
Mondal, M. I. H., Yeasmin, M. S., & Rahman, M. S. (2015). Preparation of food grade carboxymethyl cellulose from corn husk agrowaste. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 79, 144–150.
Nelida Lucia del, M. (2016). Radiation influence on edible materials. In A. M. Waldemar (Ed.), Radiation effects in materials (Chap. 7). IntechOpen.
Robertson, G. L. (2013). Optical, mechanical and barrier properties of thermoplastic polymers. In Food packaging: Principles and practice (3rd ed.). CRC Press.
Robertson, G. L. (2012). Edible, biobased and biodegradable food packaging materials. In Food packaging: Principles and practice (3rd ed.). CRC Press.
Rojas-Graü, M. A., Avena-Bustillos, R. J., Olsen, C., Friedman, M., Henika, P. R., Martín-Belloso, O., Pan, Z., & McHugh, T. H. (2007). Effects of plant essential oils and oil compounds on mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties of alginate–apple puree edible films. Journal of Food Engineering, 81(3), 634–641.
Salehi, F. (2019). Improvement of gluten-free bread and cake properties using natural hydrocolloids: A review. Food Science & Nutrition, 7(11), 3391–3402.
Senna, M., Aly, H., Ali, Z., & El-Naggar, A. M. (2000). Structure–property behaviour of electron beam irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 71(1), 53–60.
Singh, B., Sharma, S., & Dhiman, A. (2013). Design of antibiotic containing hydrogel wound dressings: Biomedical properties and histological study of wound healing. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 457(1), 82–91.
SPSS Inc. (2009). PASW Statistics 18 command syntax reference. SPSS Inc.
Su, J.-F., Huang, Z., Yuan, X.-Y., Wang, X.-Y., & Li, M. (2010). Structure and properties of carboxymethyl cellulose/soy protein isolate blend edible films crosslinked by Maillard reactions. Carbohydrate Polymers, 79(1), 145–153.
Toğrul, H., & Arslan, N. (2003). Production of carboxymethyl cellulose from sugar beet pulp cellulose and rheological behaviour of carboxymethyl cellulose. Carbohydrate Polymers, 54(1), 73–82.
Tongdeesoontorn, W., Mauer, L. J., Wongruong, S., Sriburi, P., & Rachtanapun, P. (2012). Mechanical and physical properties of cassava starch-gelatin composite films. International Journal of Polymeric Materials and Polymeric Biomaterials, 61(10), 778–792.
Tongdeesoontorn, W., Mauer, L. J., Wongruong, S., Sriburi, P., & Rachtanapun, P. (2011). Effect of carboxymethyl cellulose concentration on physical properties of biodegradable cassava starch-based films. Chemical Central Journal, 5, 1–8.
Vinod, A., Sanjay, M., Siengchin, S., & Parameswaranpillai, J. (2020). Renewable and sustainable biobased materials: An assessment on biofibers, biofilms, biopolymers and biocomposites. Journal of Cleaner Production, 258, 120978.
Yadav, M., Rhee, K. Y., & Park, S. J. (2014). Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide/carboxymethylcellulose/alginate composite blend films. Carbohydrate Polymers, 110, 18–25.
Zaïdi, W., Oumellal, Y., Bonnet, J.-P., Zhang, J., Cuevas, F., Latroche, M., Bobet, J.-L., & Aymard, L. (2011). Carboxymethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose-formate as binders in MgH₂-carbon composites negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries. Journal of Power Sources, 196(5), 2854–2857.
Zivanovic, S., Li, J., Davidson, P. M., & Kit, K. (2007). Physical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of chitosan/PEO blend films. Biomacromolecules, 8(5), 1505–1510.
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Entsar N Mohamed, Mohamed A Abdelaleem, Abeer M F Elbaz, Amira G M Darwish (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
