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Structure and Properties of Cellulose Films Reinforced by Chitin Whiskers
Author(s) -
Huang Yao,
Zhang Lina,
Yang Juan,
Zhang Xianzheng,
Xu Min
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201200011
Subject(s) - chitin , materials science , whiskers , nanocomposite , whisker , cellulose , ultimate tensile strength , composite number , composite material , nanocellulose , adhesion , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , chitosan , engineering
Abstract Cytocompatible nanocomposite films are prepared by blending α‐chitin whiskers and cellulose solution in NaOH/urea. Structure and properties of the chitin/cellulose composite films are characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, 13 C NMR, SEM, UV‐Vis, TGA, and tensile tests. The results reveal that the chitin whiskers are dispersed homogeneously, leading to good miscibility and properties of the chitin/cellulose composite films. By varying the chitin whisker content, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the films can be controlled. HeLa and T293 cells are seeded onto the surfaces of the nanocomposite films, showing that the composite films were nontoxic to both cell types and that the addition of chitin whiskers promotes cell adhesion and proliferation.