Influence of Solvent on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Chitosan Films

Chitosan films were formed by dissolving in mild organic acid solutions with added plasticizers to improve the properties. A study was undertaken to understand influence of the acetic acid (1, 2 & 3 percent) as solvent and glycerol (0, 0.5 and 1 percent) as plasticizer on major properties of chitosan film like thickness, color, swelling and mechanical properties. The thickness was influenced by chitosan only (P<0.05). Chitosan and glycerol content had significant (P<0.05) effects on color and tensile strength. Swelling percentage and pucture resistance was determined by the glycerol content which was statistically significant (P <0.05). All films had confirmed antimicrobial effects.