Bio‐Nanocomposite Film Based on Pectin From Citrus sinensis Peel Reinforced With Montmorillonite With Improved Mechanical and Barrier Properties

The casting method was used to develop bio‐nanocomposite film by combining pectin extracted from Malta ( Citrus sinensis ) peel with montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles. The study analyzed the thermal, structural, mechanical, and morphological properties of bio‐nanocomposite films. It examined the effect of different concentrations, that is, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, and 2.0% of montmorillonite (MMT) on film properties. Malta peel pectin (MPP) and MMT were combined to develop a biodegradable film that had a greater tensile strength (TS) ranging from 3.40 ± 0.03 MPa to 10.69 ± 0.06 MPa and lower water vapor permeability (WVP) ranging from 1.88 × 10 −8 ± 0.06 g/Pa.h.m to 1.23 × 10 −8 ± 0.08 g/Pa.h.m than films made from pectin only. The presence of MMT in biodegradable film (10.11 ± 0.06–7.93 ± 0.09) resulted in lesser transparency than the pectin‐only film (10.77 ± 0.03%). Both pectin and biodegradable films prepared from the composites showed an amorphous structure in XRD diffractograms. The compact matrix structure of the film was because of the intermolecular contact augmented by the incorporation of MMT. The composite films containing pectin displayed a uniform structure devoid of phase separation and decreased disorder. The addition of MMT to films increased their thermal stability. The pectin reinforced with MMT showed good compatibility and increased desirable properties in the biodegradable film.