A Screening Technique to Study the Mechanical Strength of Gelatin Formulations

Abstract

A semiquantitative method for measuring the mechanical strength of gelatin ribbons was demonstrated using a universal tensile testing machine (Instron, model 1122). Molten gelatin formulations comprised of acid-bone gelatin, limed-hide gelatin, or their combinations were made, pored as gelatin films, and aged at 50% relative humidity (RH). Viscoelastic properties (mechanical strength) of five gelatin formulations were evaluated by determining elastic modulus, tensile strength, and ratio of tensile strength to elastic modulus of gelatin ribbons. This study demonstrated that a 3:1 ratio of acid-bone to limed-hide gelatin combination showed better viscoelastic properties than the other formulations studied.

Key Words:

• Elastic modulus
• Gelatin films
• Mechanical strength
• Tensile strength
• Universal tensile testing machine