Characterization of bacterial cellulose films combined with chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol

evaluation of mechanical and barrier properties

Patricia Cazón (Author), Gonzalo Velazquez (Author), Manuel Vázquez (Author)

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by Komagataeibacter xylinus is a biomaterial with a unique three-dimensional structure. To improve the mechanical properties and reinforce the BC films, they were immersed in polyvinyl alcohol (0–4%) and chitosan (0–1%) baths. Moisture content, mechanical properties and water vapour perme- ability were measured to assess the effect of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan. The morphology, optical, structural and thermal properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, spectral analysis, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Results showed that moisture content was significantly affected by the chitosan presence. Tensile strength values in the 20.76–41.65 MPa range were similar to those of synthetic polymer films. Percentage of elongation ranged from 2.28 to 21.82% and Young's modulus ranged from 1043.88 to 2247.82 MPa. The water vapour permeability (1.47×10−11–3.40×10−11 g/m s Pa) decreased with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol. The developed films own UV light barrier properties and optimal visual appearance.

Keywords

films;bacterial cellulose;water vapor permeability;chitosan;polyvinyl alcohol;UV protection;

Data

Language:	English
Year of publishing:	2019
Typology:	1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization:	UNG - University of Nova Gorica
UDC:	54
COBISS:	42581507
ISSN:	0144-8617
Views:	1618
Downloads:	0
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