CHITOSAN FILM WITH ADDITION OF BEESWAX AND CARAWAY ESSENTIAL OIL

In this paper, beeswax and caraway essential oil were added as hydrophobic compounds to chitosan film after synthesizing, to improve its water vapor resistance. Influence of these two hydrophobic compounds on visual properties, structure and water content of chitosan film was investigated. Results showed that addition of 1 % of caraway oil, as well as beeswax affected visual properties of the chitosan film, which became yellowish, opaque and turbid. Addition of caraway essential oil did not alter original structure of chitosan film (FTIR ATR technique), while addition of beeswax affected chitosan film structure. Water content in the films decreased with the addition of beeswax. This is a very important change that could be used in chitosan film functionality improvement for packaging application