CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYMER THIN FILM COMPOSITES FROM RICE STRAW MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE AND MUSHROOM CHITOSAN

Abstract

The composite thin films functionally provide appropriate mechanical properties for specific purposes in the packaging industry. The composite film could be prepared by mixing rice straw extracted microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with mushroom chitosan (MCH). The advantage of using mushroom chitosan is that the material is free of allergic sources from animals. In this study, Boletus edulis (porcini mushroom) was chosen as the raw material for the extraction of chitin and was converted to chitosan. The MCH/MCC biocomposites film was prepared by using solution casting method. The performance of the composites was evaluated using tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD). For tensile test, MCH/MCC biocomposites with 8% MCC demonstrated an optimum tensile strength, elongation at break and Young’s modulus. The tensile strength and elongation at break reduced at 10% MCC content. SEM micrograph showed lesser pores on the surface of MCC/MCH biocomposites with 8% MCC as compared to 10% MCC content. According to XRD results, the addition of MCC into MCH has increased the crystallinity of the MCH/MCC composites. This research presents a novel combination of mushroom-based chitosan (MCH) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to form composite thin films, offering a sustainable and allergen-free alternative with enhanced mechanical properties suitable for a wide range of potential applications like the packaging industry.