A good incorporation of the cellulose nanocrystals into chitosan matrix was obtained at concentrations below 5 wt%.
Neutralization process affects the properties of chitosan-cellulose nanocrystals biocomposite films, with a high impact on the water resistance (improved) and antibacterial properties (worsened).
Optimization of the neutralization process in the design of CH-based nanocomposite active films is necessary to obtain a balance between the properties.