Composite films based on chitosan incorporating molybdenum disulfide nanosheets and zinc oxide nanoparticles with...

There is a growing interest in finding alternative materials for food packaging because synthetic plastic materials pose a significant risk to the environment. Chitosan, a natural polymer, is both biodegradable and non-toxic. The present study aimed to prepare composite films made from chitosan, molybdenum disulfide, and zinc oxide (chi-ZnO-MoS₂). MoS₂ improved mechanical properties and ZnO improved the antimicrobial properties of the films. The tensile strength, Young modulus, and break elongation of the chi-ZnO-MoS₂ were 22.6 MPa, 22.4 MPa, and 3.0 % respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis at 600 °C resulted in a residue percentage of 37.87 %. Water contact angle and water vapor permeability were 88^o and 1.94 g.m^-2.h^-1 respectively. The chi-ZnO-MoS₂ films showed the highest antimicrobial performance against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The composite film showed excellent fruit packaging performance and confirmed the weight loss of 24 % during the 15-day storage period. Therefore, films show great potential for future utility in food packaging.