Surface Properties of Plasma-Activated Chitosan Foils

Thin films of chitosan are often deposited on various surfaces to provide them with antiseptic properties. In the presented research, chitosan foils were obtained using two methods and treated with nitrogen plasma. The obtained materials were characterized by measuring the wettability of the test liquids, and the apparent surface free energy was calculated using the Tadmor equilibrium contact angles. The surface topography was characterized using optical profilometry and SEM. On the other hand, the effect of plasma on surface groups was investigated using the FTIR-ATR technique. Plasma activation of the surface increases the polarity of the surface. This is observed in the changed surface roughness and the share of functional groups on the surface.

Automated summary

This research focuses on the preparation of chitosan films and the effect of plasma treatment on their surface properties. It was found that plasma activation can increase the polarity of chitosan films.