Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) reinforced chitosan-based biodegradable films were prepared by solution
casting. The NCC content in the films was varied from 1 to 10% (dry wt. basis). It was found that the
tensile strength (TS) of the nanocomposite films with 5% (w/w) NCC content was optimum with an
improvement of 26% compared to the control chitosan films. Incorporation of NCC also significantly
improved barrier properties. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of the chitosan/NCC films was decreased
by 27% for the optimum 5% (w/w) NCC content. Swelling studies revealed a decrease in water uptake of
the NCC-reinforced chitosan films. Analyses of thermal properties showed no significant effect of NCC
whereas X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the appearance of crystalline peaks in the nanocomposite
films. Surface morphology ofthe films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and it was found
that NCC was dispersed homogenously into chitosan matrix