Optimization of Chitosan: Methylcellulose polyblend to obtain highly amorphous polymer matrix useful for ion transportation

Solid biopolymer blend systems consisting of chitosan (CH) and methylcellulose (MC) have been prepared in various compositions through the solution casting method and are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD data revealed that the blend composed of 30 wt.% of MC is found to be more amorphous. Structural analysis and the extent of interaction between the two polymers, i.e., CH and MC were concluded through FTIR analysis. The dielectric results also show that the blend composed of 70 wt.% of CH shows the highest value of the dielectric constant. The blend system consisting of 70 wt.% of CH and 30 wt.% of MC exhibited good thermal stability and the lowest glass transition temperature (T_g). Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]