Fabrication and mechanical characterization of biodegradable and synthetic polymeric films: Effect of gamma radiation

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) Vol. 81; no. 8; pp. 995 - 998
• Main Authors: Akter, Nousin, Khan, Ruhul A., Salmieri, Stephane, Sharmin, Nusrat, Dussault, Dominic, Lacroix, Monique
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2012
• Subjects: Biodegradable films; Chitosan; Packaging materials; Starch; Synthetic polymers; Synthetic polymers; Chitosan; Biodegradable films; Packaging materials; Starch
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2011.10.029

Chitosan (1wt%, in 2% aqueous acetic acid solution) and starch (1wt%, in deionised water) were dissolved and mixed in different proportions (20–80wt% chitosan) then films were prepared by casting. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the 50% chitosan containing starch-based films were found to be 47MPa and 16%, respectively. It was revealed that with the increase of chitosan in starch, the values of TS improved significantly. Monomer, 2-butane diol-diacrylate (BDDA) was added into the film forming solutions (50% starch-based), then casted films. The BDDA containing films were irradiated under gamma radiation (5–25kGy) and it was found that strength of the films improved significantly. On the other hand, synthetic petroleum-based polymeric films (polycaprolactone, polyethylene and polypropylene) were prepared by compression moulding. Mechanical and barrier properties of the films were evaluated. The gamma irradiated (25kGy) films showed higher strength and better barrier properties.
► Chitosan and starch-based biodegradable films were prepared by casting. ► With the increase of chitosan in starch, the strength of the films improved significantly. ► Monomer, 2-Butane diol-diacrylate was grafted with the films by gamma radiation. ► Mechanical properties of synthetic polymeric films improved by gamma radiation. ► The irradiated polymer films showed better water vapor barrier properties.