The main aim of this study was to chemically modify mango kernel starch (MKS) and assess its impact on packaging film properties. MKS exhibited limited application due to low solubility, retrogradation, higher gelatinization temperature and hydrophilicity. These limitations could be effectually overcome by integrating modifications to native starch. Chemical modifications of MKS were performed by oxidation and benzylation with a low degree of substitution. X‐ray diffractogram presented A‐type pattern of crystal structure which was in accordance to endosperm starch. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the native and modified starch samples exhibited strong bands in the regions corresponding to OH and CH stretching. Additionally, absorption bands were found in the regions for carbonyl and aromatic phenyl vibrations signifying the substitution of functional groups within native starch. Modified starch films presented increased lightness L* representing that the films were lighter in colour than native film. Tensile strength (TS) of modified films was found to increase more than twice that of native starch film. Starch recrystallization was interrupted by oxidation thereby preventing retrogradation. Benzylation lowered the water vapour permeability by 58% and improved UV absorption by 80% when compared with native film.

All parts of the plantain are widely used in India for various purposes. But plantain<br /> leaf sheath always ends up as waste material which accumulates as a biowaste. The present study focuses on the preparation of activated carbon using phosphoric acid as activating agent, and its efficacy as an adsorbent for the removal of reactive dyes, Reactive<br /> Green 19, and Reactive Red 141. Batch adsorption studies have been conducted and<br /> optimum adsorption conditions were determined as a function of contact time, initial dye<br /> concentration, adsorbent dosage, and pH. The experimental data were analyzed using<br /> Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The pseudo-first and second-order,<br /> intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich models were used to analyze the kinetic parameters<br /> of the adsorption system. Under the optimum conditions (initial dye concentration = 200<br /> mg L–1, adsorbent dose = 1 g, pH = 2, contact time = 220 min for reactive green 19 and<br /> 180 min for reactive red 141), maximum percentage removal for reactive green 19 and<br /> reactive red 141 were obtained as 65.9 % and 72.7 %, respectively. The results demonstrate that activated carbon produced from chemical activation of the plantain waste has the potential of adsorbing reactive dyes from industrial effluents.

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