Development and characterization study of silk filament reinforced chitosan biocomposite

ABSTRACT

The present work aims to explore the use of a silk filament (SF) as a reinforced material in chitosan matrix to develop low-cost biocomposite using the solution casting technique. The biocomposites were assessed for their physiochemical, mechanical, as well as thermal properties. Fourier-transform infrared study confirmed the chemical interaction between SF and chitosan matrix in biocomposite samples. The morphology of SF in the matrix was discovered by scanning electron microscopy analysis and bundle formation of individual filaments was observed due to the adhesive effect of chitosan solution. The prepared composites with higher loading showed improved mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction study showed increased crystallinity of the biocomposite when compared with the chitosan film (CF). The thermal properties of the biocomposites improved due to the presence of SF.

摘要

本文旨在探讨一种蚕丝的使用（SF）作为一种增强材料，在壳聚糖基质使用溶液浇铸技术开发低成本的生物复合材料。生物复合材料进行物理化学、机械和热性能。傅立叶变换红外光谱证实了丝素丝与壳聚糖基质在生物复合材料中的化学相互作用。通过SEM分析发现蚕丝在基体中的形态，由于壳聚糖溶液的粘附作用，观察到单丝的形成。制备的复合材料具有较高的力学性能。XRD研究表明，与壳聚糖膜（CF）相比，生物复合材料的结晶度增加。由于丝素的存在，生物复合材料的热性能得到改善。

KEYWORDS:

• Silk filament
• chitosan
• biocomposite
• acetic acid
• mechanical properties
• eco-friendly

关键词:

• 真丝长丝
• 生物复合材料
• 乙酸
• 力学性能
• 生态友好

Acknowledgments

Author would like to thank the World Bank-funded TEQIP-II- CoE in Process Intensification, and the DST-FIST for providing testing facilities.