Abstract:

Objective: The optimum ultrasound treatment for improved properties of nano-SiOx/albumin complex films
was established. Methods: Based on tensile strength (TS), elongation at break, water vapor permeability (WVP) and oil
permeability (PO), ultrasound power and working/intermittence time were optimized by response surface methodology.
Results: A regression model for each of the film properties was developed. The optimal ultrasound treatment conditions
were 205.67 W, 1.13:1 of working/intermittence time ratio and 23.32 min of working time. Under these conditions,
the observed TS, elongation at break, WVP and PO of the complex film were (5.092 ± 0.146) MPa, (37.560 ±
3.409)%, (2.961 ± 0.083) g•mm/(m2•d•kPa) and (0.667 ± 0.006) g•mm/(m2•d), respectively, which were close to
the predicted values of 5.141 MPa, 38.401%, 2.719 g•mm/(m2•d•kPa) and 0.620 g•mm/(m2•d). Hence, the optimized
treatment conditions were reliable. Conclusion: Ultrasound power and treatment time are the main factors that affect
the mechanical properties of the film, while the main factors for the barrier properties are working/intermittence time
ratio and working time.

Key words: albumin-based film, nano-SiOx, response surface methodology, ultrasound treatment