Abstract: In order to explore the effect of xanthan gum on the properties of chitosan essential oil films and the release of essential oil,the xanthan gum and chitosan essential oil composite films with different ratios were prepared by tape casting method,and the physical properties,essential oil release rate and microstructure of the films were measured. The results showed that when the amount of xanthan gum was less than 50%,the water solubility of the films increased with the increasing of xanthan gum contents,the water content,swelling degree and elongation at break decreased gradually,but the addition of xanthan gum had no significant effect on the tensile strength of the films. Xanthan gum significantly increased the release rate of essential oil in food simulators. From the release rate of different food simulators,the order from fast to slow was simulants of oil in water emulsion and alcoholic food,distilled water and simulant of fatty food. Microstructure showed that xanthan gum affected the internal structure of the film,which made the cross-section of the film appear larger particles and form discontinuous structure characteristics. This study could provide a theoretical basis for the development and application of controlled-release films of essential oil.