Effect of sonication time and heat treatment on the structural and physical properties of chitosan/graphene oxide nanocomposite films

• Main Authors: F., Han Lyn, Tan, Chin Ping, Mohd Zawawi, Ruzniza, Zainal Abidin, Nur Hanani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/96942/1/ABSTRACT.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/96942/; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214289421000314

This study determined the effect of ultrasonication time (30, 60, and 120 min) and heat treatment (30, 60, and 120 °C) on the structure and properties of the chitosan/ graphene oxide (CSGO) composite films. Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets with thickness of ∼1 nm was obtained after 120 min of sonication, as observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The incorporation of highly sonicated GO significantly (p < 0.05) improved both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light barrier properties of chitosan (CS) films. The heating temperature of 120 °C improved the hydrophobicity of the CSGO composite films, as demonstrated by contact angle analysis. Finally, all films were completely degradable within 28 days in a soil compost. The CSGO composites are potential green alternatives to petrochemical-based food packaging materials.