Publication:
Synthesis and thermo-mechanical characterization of bare and composite chitosan film
Synthesis and thermo-mechanical characterization of bare and composite chitosan film
Authors
Blagg, Amanda
Embargoed Until
Advisor
Valentín, Ricky
College
College of Engineering
Department
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Degree Level
M.S.
Publisher
Date
2012
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Thermomechanical characterization
Usage Rights
Persistent URL
Cite
Blagg, A. (2012). Synthesis and thermo-mechanical characterization of bare and composite chitosan film [Thesis]. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11801/968