Physico-chemical characterisation of chitosan/halloysite composite membranes

• Published in: Polymer testing 2013-04, Vol.32 (2), p.265-271
• Main Authors: De Silva, R.T., Pasbakhsh, Pooria, Goh, K.L., Chai, Siang-Piao, Ismail, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agglomerates; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Chitosan; Chitosan biocomposite membranes; Composites; Electron micrographs; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange resins and membranes; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Halloysite nanotubes; Medical sciences; Membranes; Microtensile testing; Modulus of elasticity; Optimization; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Scanning electron microscope; Stress concentration; Stress transfer; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology of polymers; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; Thermal properties
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2012.11.006

Chitosan membranes reinforced by halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) at concentrations from 2 to 15 (w/w%) have been prepared by solution casting to investigate the optimal physico-chemical properties for biomedical applications. Tensile test data revealed that the membranes reinforced with 5 (w/w%) HNTs yielded the highest Young's modulus (0.52 ± 0.01 GPa) and strength (81.6 ± 4.4 MPa). Electron micrographs of the fractured surfaces implicated the interplay between individual HNTs and agglomerates of HNTs in the stress transfer mechanism. Infrared spectra revealed interaction between the HNT siloxane and chitosan functional groups. Thermogravimetric results demonstrated that the thermal stability of the membranes increased with HNT concentration.