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Thermomechanically processed chitosan:gelatin films being transparent, mechanically robust and less hygroscopic

Lookup NU author(s): Professor David XieORCiD

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Abstract

Chitosan and gelatin are attractive polymeric feedstocks for developing environmentally benign, bio-safe, and functional materials. However, cost-effective methods to achieve advantageous materials properties and tailor their functionality are still lacking, but interesting. Herein, we found that physically mixing chitosan and gelatin at 1:1 (w/w) ratio resulted in materials with properties (higher Young's modulus (603.8 MPa) and tensile strength (33.6 MPa), and reduced water uptake (45%) after 6 h of water soaking) better than those of the materials based on mainly chitosan or gelatin. We attribute this synergy to the ionic and hydrogen-bonding interactions between the two biopolymers enabled by high-viscosity thermomechanical processing. Despite the lowest hygroscopicity, the 1:1 chitosan:gelatin films displayed the highest surface hydrophilicity. Besides, addition of gelatin to chitosan led to films being brighter, more transparent and amorphous. Thus, this work has generated new understanding to enhance the application of biopolymers for e.g. packaging, coating, and biomedical applications.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Chen Y, Duan Q, Yu L, Xie F

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers

Year: 2021

Volume: 272

Print publication date: 15/11/2021

Online publication date: 04/08/2021

Acceptance date: 01/08/2021

Date deposited: 23/05/2023

ISSN (print): 0144-8617

ISSN (electronic): 1879-1344

Publisher: Elsevier

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118522

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118522

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