Enhanced properties of chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/polyvinyl alcohol green bacteriostatic film composited with bamboo fiber and silane-modified bamboo fiber

This paper aims to improve the mechanical and antibacterial properties of chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/polyvinyl alcohol blend film (CHP) with bamboo fiber modified with coupling agent. The effects of silane-based coupling agent dosage on transmittance, water solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical, and bacteriostatic properties were examined. The modification of the coupling agent enabled the modified bamboo fiber to be successfully participated in the film formation. Hence, the amount of coupling agent was varied, and it was found that the developed film containing 1 ml of coupling agent had the best overall performance. Water solubility and WVP of the film were decreased by 41.63% and 36.93%, respectively, which increase its waterproof capability. The tensile strength and elongation at break increased by 61.97% and 8.07%, respectively. This study shows that the chitosan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohol composite film modified by both bamboo fiber and coupling agent may provide a choice for the development of bioactive packaging.