A Study on Tensile and Tear Properties for Chitosan Blended with and Without Natural Fiber Films

Abstract

A composite film was prepared by blending chitosan and natural fibers with a different formulation. The results of the incorporation of natural fibers with chitosan on the strength of film blends were investigated. The tensile strength is important to identify and analyse sample for suitable application. Overall, it was found difficult to establish higher chitosan compositions that cause resistance to flow due to the higher viscosity of the more rigid chitosan chain.. The ATR-IR test was carried out to determine the presence of a functional group of chitosan blended films. It was noticed that the composite film has a functional group; they interact as a composite blend. The functional group of exhibited amines, amides and esters is ideal for oxidation processes. The tensile test, conducted on Chitosan, sisal fiber-reinforced Chitosan, banana fiber reinforced Chitosan, and coconut fiber reinforced Chitosan specimens were considered. Tests were conducted utilizing UTM. The mechanical property of specimens was studied according to the three parameters which are tensile strength, elongation at break and Engineering UTS. Tear testing has been a concern in this research work. The experimental tear tests showed different results for both chitosan blended with and without natural fibers materials when they were subjected to load in different material directions. The tear test approach deals with assessing the tear resistance of flexible plastic film and sheeting at very low loading levels. The results and analyses for both tensile and tear tests are dependent on compounding chitosan with and without added natural fibers as reinforcement like sisal, banana and coconut fiber. Higher strength was found with higher chitosan composition of natural fibers. The film based on chitosan can potentially be used for biodegradation, antimicrobial packaging and can also be efficient in food preservation.