Development and characterization study of silk filament reinforced chitosan biocomposite

The present work aims to explore the use of a silk filament (SF) as a reinforced material in chitosan matrix to develop low-cost biocomposite using the solution casting technique. The biocomposites were assessed for their physiochemical, mechanical, as well as thermal properties. Fourier-transform infrared study confirmed the chemical interaction between SF and chitosan matrix in biocomposite samples. The morphology of SF in the matrix was discovered by scanning electron microscopy analysis and bundle formation of individual filaments was observed due to the adhesive effect of chitosan solution. The prepared composites with higher loading showed improved mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction study showed increased crystallinity of the biocomposite when compared with the chitosan film (CF). The thermal properties of the biocomposites improved due to the presence of SF.