NaOH/Urea-Compatible Chitosan/Carboxymethylcellulose Films: Orthogonal Optimization of Packaging Properties

Chitosan (CS)-based films have demonstrated significant potential as biodegradable packaging materials, but their suboptimal barrier and mechanical properties limit practical applications. In this study, CS/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite films were prepared using a NaOH/urea-based alkaline...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chang Yu, Hui Sun, Lin Yao, Yunxuan Weng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Molecules
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/11/2279
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849330591504269312
author Chang Yu
Hui Sun
Lin Yao
Yunxuan Weng
author_facet Chang Yu
Hui Sun
Lin Yao
Yunxuan Weng
author_sort Chang Yu
collection DOAJ
description Chitosan (CS)-based films have demonstrated significant potential as biodegradable packaging materials, but their suboptimal barrier and mechanical properties limit practical applications. In this study, CS/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite films were prepared using a NaOH/urea-based alkaline system. Optimal ratios (1.5% CS, 2% CMC, 2.5% NaOH, and 4% urea) were determined through an L<sub>16</sub>(4<sup>4</sup>) orthogonal array design. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the formation of stable physical crosslinks between CS and CMC via hydrogen bonding. These interactions significantly enhanced mechanical properties (tensile strength: 46.08 MPa; elongation at break: 68%), improved thermal stability (maximum decomposition temperature: 304 °C), and superior barrier properties (water vapor transmission rate: 0.26 × 10<sup>−5</sup> g/(m<sup>2</sup>·h·Pa); oxygen transmission rate: 1.12 × 10<sup>−4</sup> g/(m<sup>2</sup>·s)). NaOH concentration exhibited the most pronounced influence on film performance. The composite film combines inherent biodegradability with excellent functional properties, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based packaging materials.
format Article
id doaj-art-56de9213f9f5482f875eda487ae94535
institution Kabale University
issn 1420-3049
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Molecules
spelling doaj-art-56de9213f9f5482f875eda487ae945352025-08-20T03:46:52ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492025-05-013011227910.3390/molecules30112279NaOH/Urea-Compatible Chitosan/Carboxymethylcellulose Films: Orthogonal Optimization of Packaging PropertiesChang Yu0Hui Sun1Lin Yao2Yunxuan Weng3College of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, ChinaCollege of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, ChinaCollege of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, ChinaCollege of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, ChinaChitosan (CS)-based films have demonstrated significant potential as biodegradable packaging materials, but their suboptimal barrier and mechanical properties limit practical applications. In this study, CS/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite films were prepared using a NaOH/urea-based alkaline system. Optimal ratios (1.5% CS, 2% CMC, 2.5% NaOH, and 4% urea) were determined through an L<sub>16</sub>(4<sup>4</sup>) orthogonal array design. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the formation of stable physical crosslinks between CS and CMC via hydrogen bonding. These interactions significantly enhanced mechanical properties (tensile strength: 46.08 MPa; elongation at break: 68%), improved thermal stability (maximum decomposition temperature: 304 °C), and superior barrier properties (water vapor transmission rate: 0.26 × 10<sup>−5</sup> g/(m<sup>2</sup>·h·Pa); oxygen transmission rate: 1.12 × 10<sup>−4</sup> g/(m<sup>2</sup>·s)). NaOH concentration exhibited the most pronounced influence on film performance. The composite film combines inherent biodegradability with excellent functional properties, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based packaging materials.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/11/2279NaOH/urea systemcarboxymethyl cellulosechitosanorthogonal testbiodegradable film
spellingShingle Chang Yu
Hui Sun
Lin Yao
Yunxuan Weng
NaOH/Urea-Compatible Chitosan/Carboxymethylcellulose Films: Orthogonal Optimization of Packaging Properties
Molecules
NaOH/urea system
carboxymethyl cellulose
chitosan
orthogonal test
biodegradable film
title NaOH/Urea-Compatible Chitosan/Carboxymethylcellulose Films: Orthogonal Optimization of Packaging Properties
title_full NaOH/Urea-Compatible Chitosan/Carboxymethylcellulose Films: Orthogonal Optimization of Packaging Properties
title_fullStr NaOH/Urea-Compatible Chitosan/Carboxymethylcellulose Films: Orthogonal Optimization of Packaging Properties
title_full_unstemmed NaOH/Urea-Compatible Chitosan/Carboxymethylcellulose Films: Orthogonal Optimization of Packaging Properties
title_short NaOH/Urea-Compatible Chitosan/Carboxymethylcellulose Films: Orthogonal Optimization of Packaging Properties
title_sort naoh urea compatible chitosan carboxymethylcellulose films orthogonal optimization of packaging properties
topic NaOH/urea system
carboxymethyl cellulose
chitosan
orthogonal test
biodegradable film
url https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/11/2279
work_keys_str_mv AT changyu naohureacompatiblechitosancarboxymethylcellulosefilmsorthogonaloptimizationofpackagingproperties
AT huisun naohureacompatiblechitosancarboxymethylcellulosefilmsorthogonaloptimizationofpackagingproperties
AT linyao naohureacompatiblechitosancarboxymethylcellulosefilmsorthogonaloptimizationofpackagingproperties
AT yunxuanweng naohureacompatiblechitosancarboxymethylcellulosefilmsorthogonaloptimizationofpackagingproperties