INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CHITOSAN BASED FILMS: A REVIEW

The present paper describes the investigation of mechanical properties of chitosan based films. The mechanical strength of the chitosan blends demonstrated that they are able to support tensions and other loads. Government concern over the environment, the depletion of fossil fuels, and climate change has promoted the development of bio nanocomposites. Compared to polymeric resources from petroleum, natural polymers from renewable resources have the advantages of biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, high reactivity, low cost and ease of availability. The proper utilization of crab shell waste not only solves the problem of their disposal but also forms the basis for many potential products used in the fields such as textiles, photography, medicine, agriculture, food processing etc. Therefore, the aim of this investigation is to enhance the utilization of biopolymer and help to minimize the environmental pollution. The investigation of the mechanical properties of chitosan films are required to understand the mechanical behavior of the chitosan based films. Tensile strength and Percentage Elongation at Break of the films determine their performance and integrity during storage, utilization and handling. Due to low mechanical strength of chitin and chitosan, it is required to modify some of its properties so that they can act as bio adhesives, nanocomposites, waste material which pollutes the environment.