Effectiveness of silane monomer on chitosan films and PCL‐based tri‐layer films

Abstract

AbstractChitosan films were prepared by casting from its 1% (w/w) solution. Tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), and elongation at break (Eb%) of chitosan films were found to be 30 MPa, 450 MPa, and 8%, respectively. Silane monomer (3‐aminopropyl tri‐methoxy silane) (1–7%, w/w) was added into the chitosan solution (1%, w/w), and films were casted. The highest TS (38 MPa) and TM (620 MPa) values were found at 5% (w/w) silane content films. Polycaprolactone (PCL) films were prepared by compression molding; the values of TS, TM, and Eb of PCL films were found to be 12 MPa, 226 MPa, and 70%, respectively. Using chitosan and silane containing chitosan films, PCL‐based tri‐layer films were prepared by compression molding. Chitosan (also silane‐incorporated chitosan) content in the tri‐layer films varied from 10 to 50% by weight. The values of TS and TM of the silane containing composites were found to be 21 and 410 MPa, respectively, which is significantly higher (40% TS and 34% TM) than control composites. Molecular interactions due to silane addition were supported by FT‐IR analysis. The surface of the films and the interface of the tri‐layer films were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012