Additive properties of mint weed in polyfilms

Biopolymer films have been regarded as potential replacements for synthetic petrochemical based polymers for different uses mainly in pharmaceuticals and packaging applications in view of strong awareness towards more environmental friendly materials. Polysaccharide-mucilage and lignin concentrate were isolated from the mint weed (Hyptis suaveolens). Potato starch was modified and starch-lignin-mucilage-polyvinyl alcohol was prepared in different composition from lignin and mucilage isolates of H. suaveolens. The physical properties like film appearance, opacity, swelling per cent and mechanical properties namely tensile strength and elongation per cent of polyfilms were measured. Acetylated starch with lignin isolates showed good elongation % (17.43±0.24) in comparison to native starch films (2.62±0.11). Acetylation increased the tensile strength while Hyptis lignin increased the elongation per cent of films. The tensile strength of mucilage and polyvinyl film blend was found to be decreased significantly. This study revealed that lignin and mucilage blends are compatible with starch and synthetic polymers which could be advantageous for cost reduction with improved properties and enhanced increase range of application.