Preparation and Assessment of Heat-Treated α-Chitin Nanowhiskers Reinforced Poly(viny alcohol) Film for Packaging Application

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite films enhanced by α-chitin nanowhiskers (ChWs) were prepared through heat treatment. The obtained membranes were assessed by means of FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, regular light transmittance, mechanical tests, permeability and water absorption. The influence of the nano-component and heat treatment on the mechanical, thermal and water-resistant properties of the composite membrane were analyzed. From the results of the work, the produced films with excellent barrier properties and inexpensive raw processed materials have great prospects in packaging applications.Keywords:α-chitin nanowhiskers;heat treatment;thermal stability;barrier property;packaging application