Abstract
Four different films were prepared from chitosan modified with furfuryl glycidyl ether (FG) by Diels Alder reaction with different maleimide-based cross linker. At first, a preliminary study led to structural identification and better understanding of the reaction. For the first time, Diels-Alder and retro Diels-Alder reactions were evidenced by NMR spectroscopy and DSC on chitosan based systems. Then, chitosan of 30,000 g/mol and 150,000 g/mol were modified by FG with 20% substitution degree (DS). The resulting products were then cross-linked with bis and trimaleimide cross-linkers to produce films possessing interesting mechanical properties. For the first time for chitosan-based films, DMA measurement highlighted retro Diels-Alder between 110 and 130°C. Film also showed interesting hydrophobicity and fat absorption. They also exhibited resistance in acidic media whereas crude chitosan films were destroyed.