Elaboration and characterization of biodegradable film based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan
Abstract
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan (CTS) biodegradable films have been fabricated by solution casting. Glutaraldehyde (GA) is used as a cross-linking agent to enhance the water resistance and mechanical strength of films. The results of the study show that the water swelling of films containing CTS decreases nearly 50%. In addition, the swelling of PVA/CTS films with CTS content ranging from 5% to 15% is approximately the same. The tensile strength of PVA/CTS films increases with the content of CTS; however, when the CTS content in the films reaches 15%, the tensile strength decreases. Antibacterial test using Bacillus Subtilis bacteria shows that the films containing CTS have antibacterial properties. After 50 days being buried in soil, the films show the biocompatibility, but signs of biodegradation during this burial period are not visible.
Moraref