Jurnal Biologi Tropis
Vol. 26 No. 2 (2026): April - Juni

Mechanical Properties of Whey–Pectin Edible Films: The Role of Plasticizer Type

Fahrullah Fahrullah (Universitas Mataram)
Rabyatul Auliah (Universitas Mataram)
Wahid Yulianto (Universitas Mataram)
Baiq Rani Dewi Wulandani (Universitas Mataram)
Bulkaini Bulkaini (Universitas Mataram)
Djoko Kisworo (Universitas Mataram)
Sukirno Sukirno (Universitas Mataram)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 May 2026

Abstract

Whey protein has been identified as a potential film-forming material; however, its mechanical properties are limited. The objective of this study is to ascertain the impact of plasticizer type on the mechanical properties of edible films composed of whey-pectin. This study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of three types of plasticizers, namely sorbitol, glycerol, and polyethylene glycol. The obtained data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and when significant differences were observed, Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was subsequently applied. The findings demonstrated that the type of plasticizer exerted a negligible influence (P > 0.05) on film thickness, which ranged from 0.15 to 0.16 mm. However, the type of plasticizer had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on tensile strength and elongation. The highest tensile strength was obtained with sorbitol, whereas the highest elongation was obtained with polyethylene glycol. The findings of this study suggest the existence of a trade-off relationship between tensile strength and elongation. Sorbitol has been demonstrated to produce a strong film, while polyethylene glycol has been shown to enhance flexibility.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JBT

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology

Description

Jurnal Biologi Tropis (ISSN Cetak 1411-9587 dan ISSN Online 2549-7863) diterbitkan mulai tahun 2000 dengan frekuensi 2 kali setahun oleh Program Studi Pendidikan Biologi PMIPA FKIP Universitas Mataram, berisi hasil penelitian dan ulasan Ilmiah dalam bidang Biologi ...