Comparison of chitosan/starch composite film properties before and after cross-linking.

Unmodified and cross-linked chitosan/starch composite films were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. The properties of the films were studied to obtain useful information about the possible applications of composite films. FT-IR, SEM, and swelling property investigations show that the cross-linking agent glutaraldehyde reacts in the chitosan and starch blend. The compatibility of chitosan and starch blends before and after cross-linking was studied by UV-vis spectroscopy. The compatibility of the blends deteriorated after cross-linking. This finding was confirmed by the results of mechanical properties. The films show improved water barrier performance after cross-linking. The use of trace concentrations of glutaraldehyde in chitosan/starch films allows for possible application in the biomedical field.