Optimum Blend of Chitosan and Poly-(ε-caprolactone) for Fabrication of Films for Food Packaging Applications

The present work deals with the preparation and
characterization of the chitosan and poly-ε-caprolactone
(PCL) solution-casted blended films in various proportions
(chitosan–PCL ratio 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30). The films
were casted and dried at 55 °C, which were characterized
based on the mechanical, barrier, thermal, and microscopic
properties. The film prepared from chitosan to PCL ratio
80:20 resulted in increase percentage elongation by 20.56%
as compared to pure chitosan film. Fourier transform
infrared spectrum indicated a shift in peak of absorption
from 1743.9 to 1724.8 cm−1 due to carbonyl group of PCL
indicating the miscibility and interaction between the PCL
and chitosan. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that
PCL appeared as a co-continuous phase with chitosan for
ratio 80:20, confirmed the interaction between chitosan and
PCL. The above study indicated that the properties of
chitosan films can be modified with the addition of PCL
and may find its versatile use in food packaging.