Study of optimization of the synthesis and properties of biocomposite films based on grafted chitosan

Acrylic acid (AcAc) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were graft copolymerized onto the chitosan backbone using radical initiation under different experimental conditions. The grafted products were then characterized by FTIR, TGA, grafting and swelling index (%G and Q, respectively), Mechanical properties and biodegradability were determined. The study of the properties of the grafted films demonstrated a marked influence of the concentration of acrylic monomers, time and temperature on the %G. In addition, both grafted films (CH-g-HEMA and CH-g-AcAc) showed a noticeable difference in their mechanical behavior. CH-g-HEMA stands the highest deformation for longer periods in relation to smaller strain values, whereas CH-g-AcAc shows better tension strain but lower deformation. Therefore, CH-g-HEMA films have a vast potential for food biodegradable covering characterized by their mechanical properties, non-toxicity and biodegradability. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.