ABSTRACT
Chitin solutions in DMAc+ Lici gelify upon a moisture uptake in the order of 1% (w/w). Further moisture absorption results in the spontaneous formation of highly anisotropic films. Circular dichroism of Congo red bound to the polysaccharide reveals a cholesteric structure. The extinction pattern and the swelling anisotropy suggest a grandjean texture with superhelical axes perpendicular to film surface and Chitin molecules lying in the plane of the film. This organization is similar to that naturally occurring in the Chitin cuticle. A mechanism for self-assembly resulting from the gradual reduction of solvent quality is suggested.