Microcrystalline chitosan. I. Preparation and properties of microcrystalline chitosan

Abstract

Abstract A new type of microcrystalline polymer prepared by aggregation has been discussed. The effect of the parameters of the preparation process on the properties of microcrystalline chitosan in hydrogel and solid forms has been studied using also microscopy and spectroscopy. The product obtained according to the method discussed shows the average molecular weight within a range 2.2–5.0 X 10 5 , WRV s ≈ 260–520%, WRV g ≈ 700–1000%, and CrI up to 95%.