Preparation and Improved Properties of Vanillin-Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan Active Packaging Films

Using chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as substrates, active packaging composite (VPC) films based on vanillin-crosslinked PVA/chitosan with different concentrations of added vanillin were prepared and characterized. The results show that the VPC films exhibited higher tightness and hydrophobicity, lower water content and water vapor permeability, as well as better UV resistance. The potential interactions between the film groups were analyzed by SEM, FTIR, and XRD, and the results showed that the formation of Schiff base and hydrogen bond interactions affected the properties of the films. The VPC films also showed excellent antioxidant activity. Therefore, vanillin-crosslinked PVA/chitosan active films have broader application prospects as packaging materials for food preservation.