A new approach for preparing chitosan fibers from a LiOH/urea solvent system

• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2012.06.028
• Publication Date: 2012-06-22T23:12:46Z
• Authors: Youliang Li; Pengyu Zhuang; Yufei Zhang; Zhengke Wang; Qiaoling Hu
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

Abstract This study introduces a new approach of preparing chitosan fibers on a laboratory scale, which employs 7.2 wt% LiOH/6.0 wt% urea solvent system. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and universal testing machine indicate that the new approach does not change the chemical structure of chitosan. The approach performs better in forming dense structure in the cross section of chitosan fiber and improves thermal stability and mechanical properties of chitosan fibers. The tensile strength of the novel chitosan fibers reached 162.57±4.3 MPa, which was increased by 21.6% compared with that of chitosan fibers prepared by conventional approach.