Mechanical and barrier properties of nanocrystalline cellulose reinforced chitosan based nanocomposite films

► NCC reinforced chitosan-based films were prepared by casting. ► Incorporation of only 5% (w/w) NCC improved the TS of the chitosan films by 24%. ► Favorable NCC-chitosan interaction and effective stress transfer. ► NCC incorporation enhanced the barrier properties of the films. ► SEM images revealed proper dispersion of NCC into chitosan matrix.