Properties and swelling characteristics of cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan blend membrane

Abstract Blend membrane consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan was prepared from a solvent‐casting technique and characterized for their intermolecular interactions using infrared and X‐ray diffraction methods. Cross‐linking the blend with glutaraldehyde produces a membrane with lower crystallinity and a smaller swelling degree, but having improved thermostability and mechanical properties. The present blend membrane shows a pH‐dependent swelling characteristic and will be discussed in detail. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.