Reinforced materials based on chitosan, TiO 2 and Ag composites

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical reinforcement of chitosan with TiO 2 and Ag nanoparticles, as well as their water vapour transmission rates and water resistance behaviour. The mechanical properties of chitosan were improved by addition of TiO 2 or Ag, with significant increases in Young's modulus (from 25 MPa to ~300 MPa), tensile strength (from 6 MPa to 18-35 MPa) and toughness (from 1.3 J g -1 to 7-8 J g -1). The water vapour transmission rates (368-413 g m -2 d -1) were found to be similar for both materials. Inclusion of Ag reduced the water resistance (from 823% to 1,000%), while inclusion of TiO 2 yielded significant improvement in water resistance (from 823% to 100%). © 2012 by the authors.