Preparation and characterization of cellulose/chitosan blend films

Cellulose and chitosan were mixed in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and heated to 100 degrees C, and then were processed under a pressure of 70 kg/cm(2) exerted by a compression molding machine at 100 degrees C for 8 min. As a result, transparent orange viscose films were obtained. After rinsing with deionized water and drying transparent yellowish blend films were obtained. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that when the chitosan content in the blend increased up to 3% the surface structure became smoother, but the film containing 5% (w/w) chitosan, became coarse again probably due to phase separation. Tensile strength test results were consistant with this. Antibacterial assessment proved that addition of chitosan to the films results in slight antibacterial properties. The halo zone test confirmed that the blend films made in this research have non-diffusible antibacterial properties. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.