Vanillin cross-linked chitosan/gelatin bio-polymer film with antioxidant, water resistance and ultraviolet-proof properties.

Cross-linking is the most promising method for preparing high-performance chitosan/gelatin bio-polymer film. In this work, vanillin cross-linked chitosan/gelatin bio-polymer (CGGV) film with good mechanics, water resistance, antioxidant and ultraviolet-proof property was prepared. The micro-structure, physical and functional properties of CGGV film were studied. Results showed that vanillin as a cross-linking agent provided a compact inner micro-structure through Schiff base and hydrogen bond interaction. Moderate cross-linking significantly improved mechanical strength, thermal ability, hydrophobicity of the films and reduced the water vapor permeability, swelling ratio and water solubility. Especially, CGGV films showed stronger ultraviolet-proof properties and possessed potent radical scavenging activity. Therefore, CGGV film is suitable to protect per-mature fruits and could be used as novel multifunctional packaging in the agriculture and foods industry.

Rapid fabrication of thermoplastic polymer refractive microlens array using contactless hot embossing technology.

A thermoplastic polymer refractive microlens array has been rapidly fabricated by contactless hot embossing technology through the stainless steel template with micro through-holes array, which has a diameter of 150 µm and a pitch of 185 µm. By optimizing the technical parameters including heating and demoulding temperature, loading pressure, loading and pressure holding time, a series of high quality microlenses arrays of different sags could be obtained. In addition, the sag and the radius of curvature of the microlens are controllable. The geometrical and optical properties of the microlenses are measured and the influence of temperature and pressure duration on the optical properties of the microlenses are analysed. The results show good surface features and optical performances. Unlike previous contactless hot embossing, a low cost and durable stainless steel template was utilized instead of silicon or nickel mold to avoid valuable equipments and complicated fabrication procedure. Besides, the whole contactless hot embossing process was absence of vacuum equipment. We think that the technology could be an attractive high flexibility method for enhancing efficiency and reducing cost.