Chitosan/Pectin Laminated Films

Abstract

Chitosan/lactic acid films were cast upon pectin films with either glycerol or lactic acid as plasticizer to give clear laminated films with dynamic mechanical properties similar to those for pectin films alone. To prevent fungal growth, lactic acid was used to replace glycerol in the pectin film without significant change in dynamic mechanical properties. The storage modulus and loss modulus of chitosan/pectin laminated films were significantly greater than respective moduli of chitosan films alone. Water vapor permeation of pectin or chitosan films, made with lactic acid, was unchanged by lamination. Keywords: Films; chitosan/lactic acid; pectin