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Silane Coupling Agent Modifies the Mechanical Properties of a Chitosan Microfiber
Yuki Shirosaki1, Toshinobu Okabayashi1, Saki Yasutomi1
1Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 1-1 Sensui-cho, Tobata-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 18, 2020
Summary
Adding a small amount of trimethoxysilane aldehyde (TMSA) to chitosan microfibers significantly enhances their tensile strength without altering molecular orientation. This crosslinking method improves mechanical properties for medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Chitosan microfibers possess beneficial properties for medical uses.
- Their mechanical strength is a limiting factor for broader applications.
- Improving chitosan's mechanical integrity is crucial for advanced medical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the tensile strength of chitosan microfibers.
- To investigate the efficacy of trimethoxysilane aldehyde (TMSA) as a crosslinking agent.
- To analyze the structural and chemical changes in chitosan microfibers after crosslinking.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan microfibers were fabricated using a standard coagulation technique.
- A novel crosslinking agent, trimethoxysilane aldehyde (TMSA), was introduced at low concentrations (<1%).
- Tensile strength testing and molecular orientation analysis were performed on the modified microfibers.
Main Results:
- Crosslinking with TMSA significantly improved the tensile strength of chitosan microfibers.
- Effective enhancement was achieved with minimal TMSA concentration.
- TMSA crosslinking did not alter the inherent orientation of chitosan molecules.
- The aldehyde component of TMSA was not retained; siloxane units were incorporated into the microfiber structure.
Conclusions:
- Trimethoxysilane aldehyde is an effective crosslinking agent for improving chitosan microfiber mechanical properties.
- Low concentrations of TMSA can substantially enhance tensile strength, making it suitable for medical applications.
- The crosslinking mechanism involves siloxane unit formation, preserving chitosan's molecular alignment.
