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Viscosity-temperature behavior of chitin solutions using lithium chloride/DMA as solvent
C L de Vasconcelos1, P M Bezerril, M R Pereira
1Departamento de Química, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Central, BR-110, km 48, Mossoró, RN 59610-090, Brazil.
Carbohydrate Research
|February 8, 2011
Summary
This study investigated chitin solutions in lithium/N,N-dimethylacetamide systems. Findings reveal a viscosity minimum linked to Li(+)-OC complex formation, impacting polymer interactions and chain stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chitin, a biopolymer, requires effective dissolution for advanced applications.
- Understanding chitin's solution behavior is crucial for its processing and utilization.
- Lithium salt systems offer potential for chitin dissolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the viscometric properties of chitin solutions in Li+/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) systems.
- To elucidate the role of lithium chloride (LiCl) concentration on chitin solution behavior.
- To correlate viscosity changes with polymer-solvent interactions and structural characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Viscometry was employed to study chitin solutions.
- Experiments were conducted using LiCl concentrations of 3% and 5% (m/v).
- Chitin concentrations ranged from 0.075 to 0.375 gL(-1).
Main Results:
- A minimum in the reduced viscosity number versus concentration plot was observed.
- This minimum is attributed to the formation of Li(+)-OC complex moieties along chitin chains.
- Viscosity behavior followed the Eyring model, with temperature influencing flow properties.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates the formation of specific complexes between Li+ ions and chitin's oxygen-containing groups (OC).
- Concentration dependence of activation enthalpy relates to polymer-polymer interactions.
- Activation entropy is linked to the stiffness of the complexed chitosan macromolecular chain.
