Chitosan/Chitin nanowhiskers composites: effect of plasticisers on the mechanical behaviour

Chitosan/chitin nanowhiskers composite based on the components from seafood industry waste represents a promising material for the preparation of biodegradable food-packaging films, however, its range of applications is limited by its significant rigidity. Application of plasticisers in chitosan/chitin nanowhiskers composites leads to an elastic material due to simultaneous plasticising of both components; as a result, a composite comprised of an elastic matrix with stretchable nanofibers is obtained. The formation of an elastic composite is confirmed both by the mechanical behaviour corresponding to the low modulus components that are in agreement with Halpin Tsai model and by the decrease in glass transition temperature of both components measured by DSC.