PVA/gelatin/chitin ternary blend as a humidity sensing material

PVA/gelatin/chitin ternary polymer blends, with different weight ratios, were developed and characterized by employing ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and DSC, and in terms of mechanical properties, electrical characteristics, water absorption rate, and antibacterial features. The FTIR examinations indicated the physico-chemical interactions being developed upon blending. The XRD patterns showed that the crystallinity of PVA matrix changed by the presence of gelatin and chitin. The gelatin content has been found to contribute toward a better water absorption ability for the blends. Electrical conductivity measurements of the blends pointed toward an increase in conductivity with chitin content. The resistance change of the blends under different humidity levels (11–84%) was measured. The stability and response time of a humidity sensor developed from an optimized blend were also examined. The developed films showed good resistance against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The findings highlight the possibility for the fabrication of good, user-friendly antimicrobial humidity sensors from the new blend system.