Structure property relations in chitosan based nanocomposite films using WAXS techniques

Abstract

In this research, nanocomposite (NC) films comprising chitosan with 20% weight glycerol have been reinforced using three different types of nanoparticles—TiO₂, Ag, and Fe₂O₃ at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight, respectively, in various combinations. The characteristics of these NC films have been compared with those of both pure chitosan and chitosan containing 20% weight glycerol. The incorporation of nanoparticles significantly altered the mechanical and barrier properties of the chitosan films. Notably, the tensile strength have experienced an increase ranging from 22% to 84%, while the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) decreased by 16% to 56%, depending on the nanoparticle dispersion under consideration. The chitosan 3% Fe₂O₃ NC film have exhibited the lowest WVTR value and the highest tensile strength when compared to the chitosan/3% Ag NC film. The minimum WVTR value has been observed in the chitosan/3% Fe₂O₃ NC film compared to the chitosan film. The materials and their composites have been analyzed using wide-angle x-ray diffraction patterns to calculate microcrystalline characteristics. To explore the microstructural behaviour of the chitosan and TiO₂, Ag, Fe₂O₃ composites and establish a connection with physical characteristics such as tensile strength and percentage elongation, an exponential asymmetric column length distribution function approach has been employed.