Research Article
Biocomposite Films Based on Carrageenan and Graphite: Elaboration and Characterization
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
17-24
Received:
26 September 2025
Accepted:
6 December 2025
Published:
10 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cm.20261002.11
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Abstract: This work focuses on the development and characterization of novel biodegradable composite materials combining carrageenan matrices with graphite reinforcement. Graphite, a material of significant contemporary interest due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, was exfoliated using an optimized mechanical ultrasound method in aqueous medium to produce few-layer graphene sheets with minimal defects. The exfoliation parameters, including sonication time (2hour), amplitude (80%), and temperature control (maintained below 40°C), were carefully calibrated to ensure reproducible results. Carrageenans, sustainable biopolymers, were extracted from two red seaweed species: Kappaphycus alvarezii (Cottonii) and Eucheuma denticulatum (Spinosum), collected from coastal regions of Madagascar. The extraction protocol involved sequential steps of washing, alkaline treatment, filtration, precipitation with isopropanol, and final drying, yielding high-purity κ- and ι-carrageenan types respectively. Composite films were fabricated using solution mixing and casting-evaporation techniques, involving dissolution of carrageenan in distilled water at 80°C and homogeneous dispersion of exfoliated graphite via probe sonication. The mixtures were then cast onto glass plates and dried under controlled conditions (25°C, 50% RH) for 48h, producing uniform films with thicknesses ranging from 80mm to 120mm. The resulting bio(nano)composite films were systematically characterized using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). TGA revealed a significant increase in degradation temperature from 242°C for pure Carr-Co to 278°C for composites with 2% filler, representing a 36°C improvement in thermal stability. XRD analysis showed characteristic graphite peaks at 2θ = 26.53° with d-spacing values of approximately 0.34nm, confirming the preservation of crystalline structure after processing. FT-IR spectra confirmed successful integration of graphite within the carrageenan matrix through observed band shifts and reduced hydroxyl stretching intensities. These promising results highlight the potential of graphite-reinforced carrageenan composites for advanced applications including sustainable packaging materials with enhanced barrier properties, biomedical scaffolds for tissue engineering with improved structural integrity, and biodegradable electronics with tunable conductivity. Future work will focus on comprehensive mechanical property evaluation using dynamic mechanical analysis, detailed biodegradability studies in simulated environmental conditions, systematic investigation of water vapor permeability, and preliminary scale-up feasibility assessment for industrial production. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties and cytotoxicity profiles of these composites will be explored to broaden their applicability in medical and food packaging sectors.
Abstract: This work focuses on the development and characterization of novel biodegradable composite materials combining carrageenan matrices with graphite reinforcement. Graphite, a material of significant contemporary interest due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, was exfoliated using an optimized mecha...
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Mamiarisitraka Oligina Lalatina Jean Ernest
