Improved Biodegradable Radiation Cured Polymeric Film Prepared from Chitosan-Gelatin Blend

Abstract

The mechanical, thermal, swelling, and release properties of chitosan-gelatin (CG) films have been investigated in order to verify the influence of UV and gamma radiation on the stability of the films. Thin films of chitosan and gelatin (1 : 3, w/w) that were radiated with 100 krad of gamma dose showed the best performance and the TS values reached 25, 45, and 49 MPa, respectively, for chitosan, gelatin, and blend. The corresponding highest TS values were 23, 42, and 45 MPa, respectively, for 10 passes of UV radiation. The effect of radiation over gelatin, chitosan, and CG blend caused modification in the arrangement of molecules in the crystal lattice that is significant by XRD analysis. Surfaces of the films were also investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies further revealed structural changes of the films. These changes were attributed to understanding the behavior of the irradiated chitosan, gelatin, and CG blend on application of thermal energy using DSC and TGA studies, water uptake of the films in aqueous medium, and soil degradation properties to observe the best possibility for its application.