Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol/SiO2 Nanocomposite Films: Physicochemical and Structural Characterization

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of the two ratios of polyvinyl alcohol /Chitosan (1:1 and 3:1) and nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) (0, 0.5, and 1%) on structural and physicochemical properties of PVA/Chitosan/ nano-SiO2 nanocomposite films were investigated. Our findings showed that the treatments' water solubility (WS) in the presence of nano-SiO2 and higher PVA content was decreased, and the lowest amount was in P3C1-1% (59%). The addition of silica nanoparticles decreased the water vapor permeability (WVP) of films, and the lowest amount of WVP was for treatment with a ratio of 1:1 of PVA/chitosan and 1% nano-SiO2 (P3C1-1%) which was 3.08× 10-10 g m s-1m-2 Pa. Tensile strength (Ts) value was achieved 35.86 MPa in higher PVA content and 1% of nano-SiO2 (P3C1-1%) which was the highest. However, the light transmission value of all treatments did not differ greatly. According to the FTIR results, the appropriate interaction between both polymers and nano-SiO2 was observed in the concentration of 1% nano-SiO2 in P1C1. Eventually, significant improvement of structural and physicochemical properties of the films could achieve in higher PVA content and concentration of 1% of nano-SiO2. Based on these results, these nanocomposite films could be considered suitable for the packaging sector and preserve food quality.