Kinetics of water sorption by chitosan and its blends with poly(vinyl alcohol)

Modification of the chitosan structure in miscible blends with poly(vinyl alcohol) has been reflected in their sorptive properties which depend on the weight fraction of poly(vinyl alcohol) and water activity. Good compatibility of the components, resulting from the presence of hydrogen bonds between specific groups (hydroxyl, amide) of chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) chains, causes an increase in molecular packing and thus, a decrease of pore volume and a rate of water diffusion.