Fabrication and characterization of antibacterial and biodegradable facial tissue papers using bio-based raw materials: effect of gamma radiation.

Chitosan (1 wt%, dissolved in 2% aqueous acetic acid solution) and Cellulose (1 wt%, dissolved in deionized water) were mixed in different proportions (5-50 wt% chitosan) and biodegradable tissue paper films were prepared by solution casting. Tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) of the 5% chitosan-containing films were found to be 6 MPa and 3.5%, respectively. However, it was observed that with the addition of chitosan the mechanical property also increased, that is, the TS of the 50% chitosan-loaded film is improved to 300%. Fifty percent chitosan-loaded films were treated under γ-radiation (1-5 kGy). At 1 kGy radiation dose, tensile strength of the chitosan-loaded cellulosic films was improved but at a dose of 2.5 kGy the strength started to decrease. The irradiated films showed better antibacterial property than non-irradiated films. The effect of the gamma ray on the molecular interactions between chitosan and cellulose was analyzed by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A degradation test of irradiated and non-irradiated films was carried out in the soil medium. The water uptake property of both films was studied and it was noticed that the non-irradiated films absorbed water more significantly than the irradiated films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]