Effect of gamma radiation on the Physico-mechanical properties of Chitosan Ethylene glycol (EG) films

Abstract

Thin chitosan films were prepared by casting method and their  mechanical properties like tensile strength, elongation at break were studied .Cross linking agent  ethylene glycol (EG) was incorporated with chitosan in various ratios (where chitosan: EG 70:30,80:20and 90:10).Both chitosan and chitosan EG films were treated with gamma radiation. Films of 10% EG with chitosan treated with100 krad of gamma radiation showed the highest mechanical and thermal properties. The TS of 100 krad gamma treated chitosan EG film was 26.7 MPa and Eb is14.0%. Water uptake of the films was carried out at room temperature (25°C) in an aqueous medium. Thermal properties such as DSC and TGA studies were performed to understand the behavior of the irradiated chitosan EG films on application of thermal energy. Results of X-ray (XRD) analysis indicate the crystallinity and amorphous condition of the different intensity of diffraction peak.