Physicochemical properties of Artocarpus heterophyllus peels packaging paper coated with fish gelatin-palm wax-lemongrass oil

CHRISTIAN JOSEPH ALARCON, JUSTIN RAY BALOPEÑOS, ANILUV ROMIO, and ELIZALDE MIGUEL FLORES

Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines

Abstract

Paper demand in the Philippines is increasing by 2.5% each year since 2016, including packaging paper. To address this demand, paper made from Artocarpus heterophyllus peels (AHP) has been used for packaging but it had low water barrier properties. A coating composed of fish gelatin, palm wax, and lemongrass essential oil (GPL) increases the physical, mechanical, and functional properties of paper. This study aims to determine the physicochemical properties of packaging paper made out of AHP coated with GPL. This includes water absorption, tensile strength, and chemical composition. Results showed that the water resistance of AHP-GPL was weaker than other packaging papers. The tear index was lower than kraft but possessed similar values with other non-wood papers. Attenuated total reflectance – Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed that the peaks closely correspond to cellulose, which is a primary component of paper. This study concludes that AHP-GPL does not comply with paper packaging standards in water absorption and tear index.

Keywords: jackfruit, paper coating, FTIR spectroscopy, water absorption, tear resistance

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