Structural and biodegradation properties of pectin-chitosan/moringa oleifera as bioplastic: IoT-based mechanical testing implemented

The environmental impact of non-biodegradable plastic waste has intensified the demand for sustainable, bio-based food packaging. This study examines the effects of citric acid (CA) crosslinking concentrations of 1.7% and 3.4% on the mechanical, structural, and biodegradation properties of pectin-chitosan (PC) bioplastic films integrated with Moringa oleifera leaf powder as a functional filler, prepared via the solvent casting method. Research results revealed that an increase in CA concentration led to a mechanical trade-off, where Tensile strength and Young’s modulus decreased from 1.73 to 0.89 MPa and 2.04–0.31 MPa, respectively. Conversely, the elongation at break significantly increased from 86.48% to 288.55%, validated by real-time IoT monitoring over 3000 s to precisely capture the fracture point of the films. FTIR analysis confirmed crosslinked network formation via ester linkages (C O ∼1728 cm −1 ), while XRD analysis confirmed that the lower CA concentration resulted in a more crystalline fraction (~23.36%), thereby providing enhanced stiffness. In contrast, the higher concentration increased the amorphous fraction (~88.46%), which enhanced flexibility. We found that the higher amorphous fraction in PCC 3.4 led to a significantly faster degradation rate (63.53% mass loss by Day 7), as SEM results showed accelerated crack and void formation. Despite kinetic differences, both formulations demonstrated promising environmental compatibility, achieving a total mass loss of ≥ 89.17% within 21 days.