Rapid and green combustion synthesis of dysprosium cerium oxide nanostructures: Incorporation into wheat starch/sage seed gum hybrid composites

In this study, we fabricated a dysprosium cerium oxide-based nanostructure (Dy₂Ce₂O₇) using a rapid and eco-friendly combustion method facilitated by mango extract. Characterization techniques confirmed that the synthesized Dy₂Ce₂O₇ nanostructures exhibited a uniform spherical morphology with a cubic crystal structure. These nanostructures were then integrated into a wheat starch/sage seed gum (WS/SSG) film matrix at varying concentrations (1–4 wt%). FTIR analysis revealed hydrogen bonding between Dy₂Ce₂O₇ and the WS/SSG matrix, while XRD patterns demonstrated effective dispersion of the nanostructures within the matrix. According to FESEM observations, the addition of Dy₂Ce₂O₇ introduced pronounced surface protrusions, yielding a rougher film morphology. Thermal stability testing via TGA indicated that the film residue at 600 °C increased substantially as Dy₂Ce₂O₇ content increased. The inclusion of Dy₂Ce₂O₇ nanostructures also significantly decreased the film's surface hydrophilicity, solubility in water, and water vapor permeability (WVP). UV transmittance testing indicated notable reductions in UVA, UVB, and UVC penetration by 95 %, 97 %, and 99 %, respectively, in the WS/SSG/Dy4 film compared to the control WS film. These findings highlight the effectiveness of Dy₂Ce₂O₇ nanostructures in enhancing the barrier, thermal, mechanical, and UV-resistant properties of WS/SSG-based films, positioning them as promising materials for sustainable packaging applications.