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The aim of this study was optimization and improvement of the physicchemical characteristics films based on basil seed mucilage (BSM) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (100, 162.5 and 225% w/w the mucilage) using montmorillonite (MMT) (0 and 8% w/w the mucilage) by casting method. The produced films properties were evaluated for thickness, moisture content, density, mechanical properties, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results indicated that thickness and density of the films were not significantly influenced by CMC and MMT addition (p>0.05), but the moisture content of nanocomposites decreased with increasing CMC content (p<0.05). Presence of CMC and MMT in the film matrix caused to enhancement of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation at break (EB) in nanocomposites; the maximum of UTS and EB with the values of 27.9 MPa and 41%, respectively, were obtained for the nanocomposite made by 225% CMC and 8% MMT. FTIR spectra revealed no new compounds resultant from the chemical interactions, and only some shifts were observed for some peaks, and also slightly weakening or intensifying in several peaks. TGA plots showed that incorporation of CMC and MMT led to improvement of thermal properties. In conclusion, simultaneous loading of nanoclay and CMC generated the improved nanocomposites, and the treatment loaded with both MMT and the maximum level of CMC (T7) is advised as the best film for employing in the food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based nanocomposite films containing montmorillonite (MMT) (1, 3 and 5% wt) were fabricated via casting method.Then, hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by loading dioxide titanium (TiO2) (1, 3 and 5% wt) nanoparticles (NPs) into nanocomposites containing 5% MMT. Moisture content, density, moisture uptake and mechanical properties of the produced films were determined. Also, surface morphology of the nanocompositeswere measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The obtained results indicated that addition of NPs resulted in slightly increase of the films moisture content, and the production of denser samples. Incorporation of 5% MMT decreased moisture uptake of the nanocomposites up to 30%; this decreasing trend was maintained with TiO2 loading. The nanoclays enhanced ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young's modulus (YM) of the films at the expense of elongation at break. Addition of TiO2 into MMT-loaded nanocomposites caused to structural weakening and diminishing UTS and YM. SEM micrographs showed well-dispersed MMT and TiO2NPs through the films surface especially at low concentrations. In conclusion, although the films loaded with nanoclays exhibited better properties than the control film, inclusion of TiO2 improved the functional characteristics of them and extended the potential as a biodegradable packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]