Thermo-Compression of Thermoplastic Chitosan Films Reinforced with Microcrystalline Cellulose for Antibacterial Food Packaging Application.

ABSTRACT: Thermoplastic chitosan/microcrystalline cellulose (TPC/MCC) composite films were prepared by thermo-compression and are reported here for the first time. L-lactic acid (LLA) was used as a plasticizer in the formation of TPC. TPC films with varying LLA contents and the TPC/MCC composite films with different MCC contents were produced for evaluation. The physicochemical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of the thermo-compressed TPC and TPC/MCC films were characterized. LLA enhanced thermal stability and crystallinity, improved film flexibility, and reduced the water solubility of the chitosan matrix. Incorporation of MCC further improved mechanical properties and decreased water dissolution. Tensile testing showed that the addition of 5 wt% MCC increased maximum tensile strength by 8

SUBMITTER: Srihanam P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12473501 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature