When
PEG was used as the plasticizer, films were also weaker and a lower Young's modulus was obtained
compared to the neat pectin film. However, with increasing PEG MW, more compacted films were obtained,
resulting in less deformable films. The WAXD spectra and DSC thermograms indicate that PEG
existed as a separate phase in the pectin matrix. Moreover, the pectin phase became more compacted
and less permeable to water vapor as the PEG MW is increased. These results show that PEG acts as an
external plasticizer.
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