FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITOSANGELATIN COMPOSITE FILM

Tóm tắt

Recent research is focusing on the development of biopackaging materials by mixing different polymers to enhance the bonding strength within the matrix and combining favorable properties of the constituent materials. This work developed a biopackaging material by combining chitosan, gelatin, and glycerol. The effect of the molecular weight of chitosan and the composition of the casting solution on the properties of the biopacking material was investigated. Increasing chitosan concentration resulted in an increased mechanical strength and lowered water solubility. Thermogravimetric analysis and UV-vis spectroscopy analysis suggested that increasing gelatin concentration would allow for a more elastic packaging with higher transparency and better thermal stability. From this result, a thin (< 0.05 mm) biopackaging material with a mechanical strength of up to 17 N/mm2 with an allowed 30% elongation at break was attained. The smoother surface structure under scanning electron microscope and the variations in properties between samples were allocated to the inherent characteristics of chitosan and gelatin and the promotion of intermolecular bonding from the glycerol plasticizer. These results therefore not only develop a functional packaging material with multiple applications in food and healthcare, but also provide a deeper understanding on the linking behavior of biopolymers.