Properties of polyelectrolyte complex films of chitosan and gelatin

A series of chitosan–gelatin complexes was prepared by varying the ratio of constituents. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the amount of the different states of water. The interaction between chitosan and gelatin was checked by IR and X-ray analysis and was related to mechanical strength. The results indicate that the water take-up of a chitosan–gelatin complex is depressed by strong interactions within networks. Chitosan can improve the tensile strength of complex films, and even with high water content these can keep appropriate tensile strength and higher elongation. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry