# Carboxymethyl Polysaccharides/Montmorillonite Biocomposite Films and Their Sorption Properties

## TL;DR

This paper describes the creation of biocomposite films with high absorbency for use in wound dressings.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel two-component CMS/CMC film with MMT-Na for improved moisture absorption and durability.

## Key findings

- Films with 5 pph of MMT-Na showed the highest absorption capacity.
- Filler concentration significantly affects film stability and durability.
- CMS/CMC films are suitable for wound dressing applications.

## Abstract

The production of bionanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and cellulose with sodium montmorillonite (MMT-Na) as a filler was described. The developed films with high absorbency can be used in the preparation of adhesive dressings for wounds oozing as a result of abrasions or tattoos. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and potato starch were used as the raw materials for film manufacturing. Citric acid was used as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as a plasticizer. The following parameters were evaluated for the obtained films: solubility in water, swelling behavior, moisture absorption, and mechanical durability (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus). This study revealed that filler concentration has a significant influence on the stability, durability, and moisture absorption parameters of films. The best nanocomposite with a high absorption capacity was a two-component film CMS/CMC containing 5 pph of sodium montmorillonite and can be used as a base material for wound dressing, among other applications.