Effect of γ-irradiation on the physical and mechanical properties of chitosan powder

In this study, locally produced chitosan powder was irradiated with pre-determined doses of γ-ray (Co-60) of 10 kGy, 25 kGy, 50 kGy and 100 kGy respectively. The properties of both chitosan powder and the chitosan film were examined and compared with unradiated chitosan. Physical characteristic of the irradiated powder and film was studied using stereo microscope. It was observed that the γ-ray induces a noticeable colour tone intensity change to the chitosan. Further investigation using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis has confirmed that the chain scission reaction was occurred as a result of γ-ray exposure through the depolymerization mechanisms. Interestingly, the degree of deacetylation (DD) of chitosan measured using FT-IR showed a negligible effect due to the exposure of γ-ray radiation. Further investigation on the viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) showed a reduction of Mv from 577 kD of pure chitosan to 458 kD, 242 kD, 159 kD and 106 kD for 10 kGy, 25 kGy, 50 kGy and 100 kGy of γ-radiated chitosan respectively. In addition, the tensile strength and elongation at break showed a similar decreasing trend with increasing dosage of γ-ray.