Blagg, Amanda

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Synthesis and thermo-mechanical characterization of bare and composite chitosan film
(2012) Blagg, Amanda; Valentín, Ricky; College of Engineering; Perales-Pérez, Oscar Juan; Román, Felix R.; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Briano, Julio
In this present work, chitosan thin films were synthesized via two synthesis techniques: sol casting and spin coating. Subsequently, silver nanoparticles or carbon black particles were incorporated into the polymeric matrix at various loadings. Produced films were characterized by optical microscopy and profilometry to investigate the morphological properties of the films; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to confirm the presence of chitosan in all films; and UV-vis to confirm the presence of the silver nanoparticles. In addition, thermal degradation and thermo mechanical analyses were conducted to establish the temperature range in which produced composites can be used. The average degradation temperature and the average glass transition temperature were determined to be 292±5 °C and 82±8 °C, respectively. Therefore these films may be used at temperatures up to 70 °C without any significant change in mechanical properties, and at temperatures up to 280 °C before experiencing degradation.