This paper outlines the study of fabrication and characterization of gelatin and chitosan films
with the goal of determining the optimal method of preparing these films in order to improve on
their mechanical properties. Gelatin films were prepared by spin coating and casting on PDMS
mold. Chitosan films were prepared by spin coating and drying known masses of samples in the
fume hood or the oven. Films were stored in a vacuum chamber when not being tested. Each film
was tensile tested for its Modulus of Elasticity, Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, and Elongation
at Break. Tensile properties of films are affected by various innate properties of the film such as
moisture content of the films, physicochemical properties of the films, humidity of the
atmosphere during testing. The results of this project indicated that gelatin films prepared by
casting were better suited for tensile testing. In order to minimize atmospheric effects, films must
be stored in a vacuum box or dessicator until testing. Chitosan films that are washed with sodium
hydroxide solution after drying were less susceptible to humidity; chitosan films prepared with
acetic acid tend to be easier to handle during film preparation and testing