Reinforced Materials Based on Chitosan, TiO2 and Ag Composites

This study investigates the mechanical reinforcement of chitosan with TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles, as well as their water vapour transmission rates and water resistance behaviour. The mechanical properties of chitosan were improved by addition of TiO2 or Ag, with significant increases in Young's modulus (from 25 MPa to similar to 300 MPa), tensile strength (from 6 MPa to 18-35 MPa) and toughness (from 1.3 J g(-1) to 7-8 J g(-1)). The water vapour transmission rates (368-413 g m(-2) d(-1)) were found to be similar for both materials. Inclusion of Ag reduced the water resistance (from 823% to 1,000%), while inclusion of TiO2 yielded significant improvement in water resistance (from 823% to 100%).