Functional properties of chitosan-based films.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Chitosan, a biopolymer, is explored for sustainable packaging due to its biodegradability.
• Traditional plasticizers can compromise the environmental profile of chitosan films.
• Glycerol is investigated as a potentially eco-friendly plasticizer for chitosan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop environmentally friendly chitosan-based films using glycerol as a plasticizer.
• To evaluate the impact of glycerol content on the mechanical, optical, and barrier properties of chitosan films.
• To understand the interaction between glycerol and chitosan at a molecular level.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan films were prepared using the casting method.
• Varying concentrations of glycerol were incorporated into chitosan solutions.
• Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and total soluble matter (TSM) analysis were employed.

Main Results:

• All prepared chitosan films were flexible and transparent, regardless of glycerol content or chitosan molecular weight.
• Films demonstrated excellent barrier properties against water vapor and oxygen.
• FTIR analysis confirmed glycerol interacts with chitosan, influencing film properties.

Conclusions:

• Glycerol is an effective plasticizer for creating flexible, transparent, and functional chitosan films for packaging.
• The addition of glycerol does not negatively impact UV resistance or barrier properties.
• The observed interactions between glycerol and chitosan are crucial for enhancing film performance.