Chitin-cellulose blends: Phase properties in dimethylacetamide-LiCl

Chitin-cellulose blends dissolved in dimethylacetamide containing LiCl (7% w/w) have been studied in a wide concentration range, from very dilute solutions to medium concentrations and up to solid films (absence of diluent). The intrinsic viscosities at various chitin-cellulose ratios, as well as the phase diagram behavior, imply a good compatibility between the components. The result is confirmed by the infrared measurements on solid films. The lack of anisotropic phase formation in chitin-diluent binary solutions and the anomalous trend of V'(CH-CE) line on the phase diagram are both interpreted on the basis of aggregation phenomena.