Tuning of the properties of polyvinyl alcohol/ polyacrylamide film by phytic acid and gamma radiation crosslinking for food packaging applications

Polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylamide/phytic acid (PVA/PAAm/PA) film was prepared using gamma radiation. The strength, tensile stress, and elongation of PVA/PAAm/PA are higher than PVA/PAAm. The contact angle was enhanced in the presence of PA and by increasing the irradiation dose. PVA/PAAm/PA film has antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Solubility and water uptake highly decreased by incorporating PA and were supported by exposure to gamma irradiation. A completely insoluble (PVA/PAAm/PA) film was obtained at 20 kGy. The results revealed that the synergistic effect of PA and gamma radiation in enhancing the properties of the prepared films.