Study on the Properties of the Gelatin Modified Chitosan Films

Abstract: With the purpose to improve the mechanical properties and cut costs of chitosan films, a series of gelatin-chitosan films were prepared. The effect of gelatin content on the mechanical properites of films was studied. FT-IR spectrum and X-ray diffraction analysis showed good compatibility between gelatin and chitosan. The composite films exhibited a higher TS(tensile strengths) and ES(elongation at break) compared with chitosan film, especially when the content of gelatin in blends was 30%. The TS and ES revealed that the interaction between chitosan and gelatin was the strongest when the content of gelatin in blends was 30%. The results obtained from percent water absorption indicated these two biopolymers were high hydrophilicity polymer. The water solubility of composite films was higher than chitosan films. The results suggest that the interactions between gelatin and chitosan was good for the mechanical properties of composite films.