MAPE in Chitosan

About Chitosan

Chitosan, poly-(β-1→4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose as an biodegradable, low-cost materials and natural polymer from crustaceans exoskeleton are used as alternative to the petroleum-derived plastics. The presence of degradable enzyme, chitosanase make it as a recyclable material. However, the poor physical astrict the application of chitosan.

How to improving

The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of chitosan/RPE(recycle polyethylene) can be enhanced by maleic anhydride-grafted-polyethylene(MAPE) and silane coupling agent.

The mechanism of improving performance by using MAPE as compatibilizer is the existing of interfacial bonding between the hydrophilic filler and hydrophobic matrix polymer such as chitosan.

Result

According to the research with different filler loading of MAPE and silane coupling agent, the properties change of chitosan show as below:

1. Increasing tensile strength

2. Decreasing elongation as break

3. Higher stiffness in Young’s modulus test

4. Lower average water absorption

5. Lower heat transfer rate.