Fabrication of crude chitosan-based biocomposite films enhanced with aluminum oxide nanofillers

Abstract

In order to address the growing environmental problems of non-biodegradable plastic food or vegetable/fruit packaging, this study introduces a biodegradable composite film based on chitosan. The composite film is fabricated using a cost-effective solution casting method, incorporating varying Al₂O₃ (alumina) quantities. The experimental analysis shows that alumina powder is uniformly dispersed in chitosan film matrices, improving tensile strength, morphology, thermal properties, and other important attributes for sustainable food (vegetables/fruits) packaging. This study first describes the mechanical properties of commercial Al₂O₃ powder as a chitosan film reinforcement. Al₂O₃ percentages affect physical, morphological, thermal, and swelling properties. The incorporation of alumina powder enhanced the tensile strength of chitosan films at both 2% and 4% loadings. However, adding 6% and 8% alumina dramatically lowered tensile properties. The shape, microstructure, swelling behavior, and other properties of films containing 2% Al₂O₃ with dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt at a fixed 20 wt% chitosan (CALO-2) and 4% Al₂O₃ with dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt at a fixed 20 wt% chitosan (CALO-4) were evaluated after tensile testing. Among them, CALO-4 exhibited balanced performance and met strict food packaging standards.