Edible chitosan/cellulose nanofiber nanocomposite films for potential use as food packaging

In this study, bio-nanocomposites of chitosan (CS)/glycerol (Gly)/cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were prepared using the solvent casting method. Effects of Gly and CNF content on properties of nanocomposites were investigated by the FTIR, SEM, tensile, TGA, swelling test, solubility analysis, water vapour permeability and contact angle measurements. Results showed that solubility of the CS-Gly films was sharply decreased by increasing Gly content. Also, plastic-like behaviour of the films was disappeared and they achieved a quasi-elastomeric structure by increasing the amount of Gly in the CS films. Elongation at the break was increased by increasing Gly content from 23% to 94% for CS-0%Gly to CS-20%Gly. Young's modulus of the ?lms was increased from 1.45 to 3.46 MPa by increasing CNF content from 0 to 0.5 wt.%. Thus, it was concluded that improvement of barrier and mechanical properties is correlated with both nanostructure of CNFs and the interactions between CS, CNFs and Gly.