Abstract

This study aimed to utilize the lignin-based structures extracted from chestnut shells, an agricultural waste, in chitosan (CH) films. In addition, black liquor was treated with ozone to obtain more homogeneous and compatible lignin fractions. Lignin was isolated from chestnut shells by alkali treatment (8% NaOH, 120°C/15 min), then sulfuric acid precipitation (0.5M) and drying. Black liquor obtained after an alkali treatment was further treated with ozone at ambient conditions to gain alkali combined ozone-treated lignin (OL). L and OL were added to CH film-forming solutions to fabricate CH-L and CH-OL films and films were characterized by barrier against water (WVP), morphologic, thermal properties, optical and antioxidant properties. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) data confirmed that the isolated L and OL had different structures, and the films indicated a potential interaction between lignin-based structures and CH matrices. Moreover, incorporating L and OL into the CH films increased the opacity and antioxidant activity of films. The addition of lignin-based structures caused a plasticizing effect on the CH films, corresponding with the tensile and thermal properties. The WVP of CH was not significantly influenced upon the addition of lignin-based structures.

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