Thermal and biodegradation properties of chitosan (CS)/corn cob (CC) biocomposite films and their irradiation-crosslinked were tested. The CS/CC biocomposite films after irradiation showed better thermal stability and lower weight loss in enzymatic and soil biodegradation in comparison with unirradiated CS/CC biocomposite films due to the formation of new bonds (radiation-induced crosslinks). The surface erosion for biodegraded biocomposite films were examined by scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the formation of new bonds in irradiated biocomposite films were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E59-E68, 2019. (c) 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers