Topography and physical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose films assembled with calcium and gelatin at different temperature and humidity

Effects of the environmental temperature and relative humidity of drying conditions on the surface ultrastructure of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films were investigated by atomic force microscopy. The mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of the films were also evaluated. The results showed that CMC molecules self-assembled into a uniform network at the solution of 5% calcium chloride. And continuous structure was formed of composite mixture with the CMC/gelatin ratio in 1:1. The CMC/Gel film forming solution was respectively dried at 2-8 °C, 23 °C, 50 °C and 23 °C with ventilation to obtain films. The size and numbers of holes on the films surface were affected by the temperature and relative humidity. Correspondingly, the mechanical properties and water vapor permeability were altered with the films structure. Moreover, the surface structure of the composite films was changed by the infiltration and delivery of water vapor when films were stored at 2-8 °C and -20 °C for days.