Fabrication of Crude Chitosan-Based Bio-Composite Films Enhanced with Aluminum Oxide Nanofillers

Abstract

In order to address the growing environmental problems of non-biodegradable plastic food or vegetables/fruits 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.