Mechanical and Moisture Absorption Properties of Biobased Gelatin Films and Composites for Construction Applications

This study concerns the development of gelatin-based resins with improved moisture resistance and their integration into biobased composites for construction applications. Gelatin resins were prepared with varying concentrations of gelatin to water ratios (g/w), and 40% g/w resins were selected for techniques to improve moisture resistance by adding varying amounts of terephthalaldehyde and wine tannin. The effect of (1) concentration on the tensile mechanical properties and (2) additives on the moisture absorption properties of the gelatin-based resins was investigated. The developed gelatin resins were used to produce two biobased composites: (1) a gelatin fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite and (2) a gelatin wood veneer (GWV) composite. The tensile mechanical properties and fracture surface morphology of the FRP composites, namely gelatin-flax, gelatin-fiberglass, epoxy-flax, and epoxy-fiberglass, were characterized and compared. The flexure properties of GWV composites made using gelatin resins with and without additives were investigated in different humidity conditions over time.