Physical Properties of Chitosan Edible Films Incorporated with Essential Oil Monomers
In this study, physical properties of chitosan edible films incorporated with essential oil monomers were tested. Emulsifying nature of chitosan could be combined essential oil monomer forming emulsions, hence homogeneous, thin and pale yellow membranes were achieved. With different of the essential oil monomer content, the nature of the films had undergone a drastic change. Water-solubility and water vapor permeability of chitosan edible films reduced when essential oil monomers concentration increased. All the mechanical properties(tensile strength and elongation) increased when essential oil monomers concentration gradual increased. Compared with single chitosan films, essential oil-chitosan films have been greatly enhanced their mechanical properties and antibacterial activities.