Novel Hemp-Based Biopolymers Plasticized with Spermidine and/or Glycerol

This work investigates the effects of spermidine (SPD) on the properties of hemp-based biopolymers developed in the absence or presence of glycerol (GLY). The mechanical properties of the biopolymer show that the tensile strength and Young's module significantly increase when the film is prepared with SPD alone (10 mm). However, the GLY plasticized films with the same concentration of 10 mm SPD have the highest elongation at break compared to the other films. The film moisture content, water solubility, and swelling ratio improve by the incorporation of SPD, resulting in the development of more hydrophobic biopolymers. However, the hydrophobicity and barrier properties to gases and water vapor of the biopolymers are higher when prepared with SPD alone.