Self-bonded composite films based on cellulose nanofibers and chitin nanocrystals as antifungal materials

• Cellulose nanofibers and chitin nanocrystals, two main components of agricultural and aquacultural by-products, were obtained from blue agave and yellow squat lobster industrial residues. Cellulose nanofibers were obtained using high pressure homogenization, while chitin nanocrystals were obtained by hydrolysis in acid medium. Cellulose nanofibers and chitin nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy and Infrared spectroscopy. Self-bonded composite films with different composition were fabricated by hot pressing and their properties were evaluated. Antifungal activity of chitin nanocrystals was studied using a Cellometer®cell count device, mechanical properties at tension were measured with a universal testing machine, water vapor permeability was evaluated with a thermohygrometer and surface tension with sessile drop contact angle method. The addition of chitin nanocrystals reduced slightly the mechanical properties of the composite. Presence of chitin nanocrystals influenced the growth of Aspergillus sp fungus in the surface of the composites as expected.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Polymerkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Polymer Chemistry (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Kemiteknik -- Polymerteknologi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Chemical Engineering -- Polymer Technologies (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Antifungal properties

Blue agave

Cellulose

Chitin

Nanocrystals

Yellow squat lobster

Agricultural machinery

Atomic force microscopy

Cellulose films

Composite films

Films

Fungi

Hot pressing

Infrared spectroscopy

Mechanical permeability

Mechanical properties

Nanofibers

Shellfish

X ray diffraction

Anti-fungal properties

Cellulose nanofibers

Contact angle method

High pressure homogenization

Universal testing machines

Water vapor permeability

Nanocomposite films

Cellulose Derivatives

Contact Angle

Homogenization

Hydrolysis

Surface Tension

Thin Films

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