Effect of Cross-linking Agent on Tensile Properties of Chitosan/Corn Cob Biocomposite Films

Glutaraldehyde (GLA) was used as cross-linking agent in chitosan (CS)/corn cob (CC) biocomposite films. The effect of GLA content on tensile properties of CS/CC biocomposite films was studied. The CS/CC biocomposite films were produced through solvent casting method. The tensile strength of modified CS/CC biocomposite films were increased with GLA content and the optimum increment at 1% of GLA content. Similar, modulus of elasticity of biocomposite films increased with GLA content. In contrast, the elongation at break of modified CS/CC biocomposite films reduced as increasing of GLA content. The modified CS/CC biocomposite films with 1% of GLA exhibited the highest elongation at break. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed the presence of imine bonds (C=N) and ethylenic groups (C=C) due to the cross-linking reaction occurred between CS and GLA. Furthermore, GLA was enhanced the wettability and interfacial interaction between CS matrix and CC filler, as proven by a morphology study.