WET SPINNING OF CHITOSAN AND THE ACETYLATION OF CHITOSAN FIBERS

Chitosan fibers were made by wet spinning of its solution in 2% aqueous acetic acid. The fiber properties were affected by processing conditions, such as spin stretch ratio, coagulation bath composition, and drying conditions. The chitosan fibers were acetylated with acetic anhydride in methanol, producing regenerated chitin fibers. The acetylation process was affected by the reaction temperature, the treatment time, and the molar ratio of anhydride to amine groups. The properties of the acetylated chitosan fibers were studied in terms of thermal stability, solubility, and mechanical properties. It was found that, after acetylation, the fibers had an improved thermal stability and tensile strength. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.