Hérnandez Vázquez, C.I.; Draczyński, Z.; Borkowski, D.; Kaźmierczak, D. Enhancing Chitosan Fibers: A Dual Approach with Tripolyphosphate and Ursolic Acid. Polymers2024, 16, 461.
Hérnandez Vázquez, C.I.; Draczyński, Z.; Borkowski, D.; Kaźmierczak, D. Enhancing Chitosan Fibers: A Dual Approach with Tripolyphosphate and Ursolic Acid. Polymers 2024, 16, 461.
Hérnandez Vázquez, C.I.; Draczyński, Z.; Borkowski, D.; Kaźmierczak, D. Enhancing Chitosan Fibers: A Dual Approach with Tripolyphosphate and Ursolic Acid. Polymers2024, 16, 461.
Hérnandez Vázquez, C.I.; Draczyński, Z.; Borkowski, D.; Kaźmierczak, D. Enhancing Chitosan Fibers: A Dual Approach with Tripolyphosphate and Ursolic Acid. Polymers 2024, 16, 461.
Abstract
Chitosan's favourable characteristics, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity, have made it a popular biomaterial and the subject of numerous studies over the last years. This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical properties of chitosan fibres through wet impregnation using tripolyphosphate (TPP) as cross-linker. A 1% w/v solution of TPP was prepared and five separate chitosan fibre specimens were immersed individually in TPP solution for varying times (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours). The specimens were then characterized using FTIR, SEM, and dynamometry to evaluate their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The FTIR results indicated successful interaction between the protonated amine groups of chitosan and TPP ions, with the crosslinking reaction reaching completion after 2 hours of immersion. SEM images showed that the surface of the fibres became rougher after the crosslinking reaction, suggesting the formation of new chemical bonds. Mechanical testing revealed a significant improvement in tensile strength for the treated samples compared to untreated ones, indicating successful strengthening through crosslinking. The fibres demonstrate significant potential for use in wound healing dressings.
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