Abstract

• In this research, high strength chitin (CT) - based polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blended films were prepared by adding different amounts of PVA to chitin dissolved in an aqueous formic acid solution and then by a solvent evaporating technique at room temperature. All prepared blended films have smooth surfaces, are highly transparent, and pale yellow in colour. The physical parameters, the mechanical properties, the degree of swelling and water uptake the prepared blended films were determined. The swelling and water uptake of the blended membrane have a higher degree of hydration, as measured by swelling and water uptake, which can be altered by varying the weight percent of PVA in the membrane matrix. From FT IR analysis, the characteristic absorption peaks of the CT-based PVA blended film clearly showed that the two polymers were blended. A SEM micrograph of CT-based PVA blended films showed homogeneous and amorphous phases. The XRD patterns of the CT-based PVA blended films also exhibited crystallinity. According to TG-DTA analysis, the thermal stability of the CT-based PVA blended were found to decrease. All of the prepared CT-based PVA blended films showed effective antimicrobial activities. The prepared CTbased PVA blended films exhibited excellent biocompatibility and safety in the environment and may also be intended for use in burning dressings and packaging materials.