Preparation and functional properties of blend films of gliadins and chitosan

This work was aimed to prepare wheat gliadin/chitosan (CS) blend films and to evaluate influence of CS content on properties of the films. Morphology observation using scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed a phase-separated structure and a phase reversion with respect to CS content in the blend films. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectrum measurements were conducted to assess the glass transition and microstructure of the films. Also studied were the mechanical properties and water barrier properties of the films. Results showed that gliadin/CS ratio had a significant effect on the functional performance of the films.