Preparation of chitosan films plasticized by lauric and maleic acids

Abstract

The energy crisis and environmental concerns have increased interest in natural polymers, and the bio-sourced materials field is experiencing rapid growth. A useful alternative to conventional plastic packaging manufactured from fossil fuels is packaging constructed of biodegradable polymers. Consideration has been given to the instrumental methods for examining modifications to the chemical composition and characteristics of modified chitosan. The molecular weight and the kind of plasticizer present in these materials are the two primary variables influencing their usability and performance. This study set out to physically blend chitosan with two different acids, lauric and maleic, to enhance chitosan cast films’ physical and mechanical properties. Different plasticizer ratios appeared to have little effect on the various properties of the chitosan cast films. Examining the obtained films by FTIR implies that chitosan’s native structure was unchanged. The films prepared had more flexibility and better solubility than those made with un-plasticized chitosan. It was evident from an analysis of the mechanical properties of the films that both acid plasticizers enhanced the mechanical properties of the chitosan.