Bio-based ultraviolet protective packaging film preparation using starch with incorporated date palm syrup

Abstract Biodegradable polymers have become a promising option to prevent the accumulation and replacement of non-destructive petroleum-based plastics. Among all biopolymers, starch films have been considered due to their unique characteristics, especially abundance, cheapness and biocompatibility for packaging industries. Recently, absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays plays a key role to increase the durability of food and pharmaceutical products. But common organic UV absorbers pose risks to human health and the environment. In this research, date palm syrup (DPS) that is an edible ingredient, has been used to add UV absorption properties to the starch films. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed that these films have good UV absorption and stability in the UV range due to the presence of C O, C C, and O–H functional groups. With the addition of DPS, hydrophilic of these films have been increased. Mechanical properties tests have shown that DPS increases the tensile strength to be about 7.3%, reduces the ductility to be about 26.5%, and also increases the thermal stability of prepared films.