Development in Gelatin-matrix Composite Films: The Incorporation of Vitamin C Adducts Enhances the Optical Behaviors of Gelatin Films

The chemical cross-linking method continues to be widely recognized as the most efficient and popular strategy for modifying gelatin. However, the exploration of enhancing the optical and electrical characteristics of gelatins through the use of organic molecules is still in its early stages. In this investigation, two stable dopants of ascorbic acid adducts were synthesized via the smooth and facile procedure, and their identities were validated through Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques, including FT-1H-NMR, and FT-13C-NMR. The novel gelatin-matrix composite films were fabricated by blending vitamin C adducts with various gelatins including pork gelatin (PG), fish gelatin (FG), bovine gelatin (BG), and chicken gelatin (CG) using the casting method. The chemical and homogenous interactions between dopants and gelatin matrixes were verified through several spectroscopic techniques. The XRD spectra of the composite films show a significant elevation in their amorphous structures when compared to the pure gelatin host. The FT-IR spectra of both the gelatin matrix and their composites demonstrate strong chemical interactions among the functional groups within the gelatin composite films. The UV-vis spectra provided the primary optical information for the synthesized hybrid film. Remarkably, the index of refraction (n) and dielectric loss (ɛi) magnitudes are raised, while the average optical band gap energy (Eg) decreased from 4.9 (pure gelatin) to 3.4 eV. By applying Tauc's model, we successfully recognized the direct electronic transition occurring between the valence band (VB) and the conduction band (CB). The results of our research highlights that minor changes in the adduct composition significantly impact optical and textural properties in polymer composites, offering a plethora of potential technological opportunities. These applications include materials packaging, blocking of harmful light, and encapsulation purposes.