Comparison of biodegradable chitosan-based composite films reinforced by different micron-sized plant fibers for food packaging

To provide a fully degradable food packaging film with excellent performance, a chitosan (CS)-based film containing micron-sized plant fibers was prepared by the casting method. With the addition of different plant fibers-wheat straw fiber (WF), maize straw fiber (MF), rice straw fiber (RF), and sisal fiber (SF), a significant improvement in mechanical, water resistance, water vapor barrier, and thermal properties was observed. By comparison, the most significant enhancement effect was observed in CS/SF-based film. The tensile strength and elongation at break of this film were 58.44 MPa and 14.42%, respectively. Moreover, it exhibited excellent properties such as the highest water contact angle (118 degrees), a moisture absorption rate of 5.14%, a low water vapor transmission rate (110.73 g & BULL;m-2 & BULL;d-1), and high thermal stability. Considering the sustainability and attractive physical properties, the improved films showed great potential for food packaging.