High yield, low-energy deconstruction of chitin is proposed after partial deacetylation and microfluidization. This process results in chitin nanofibrils (nanochitin, NCh) of ultra-high axial size (aspect ratios of up to 500). The nanochitins are colloidally stable in water (z-potential = +95 mV) and produce highly entangled networks upon pH shift. After well mixing with crosslinker, slow super-cooling and ice nucleation at -20 °C make ice crystals to grow slowly and to exclude nanochitin and crosslinker, becoming spatially confined at the interface.<br/>Lyophilization is effective in producing aerogels with a density that can be tailored in a wide range of values, from 0.89 to 10.83 mg.cm<sup>-3</sup> and corresponding porosity between 99.24 and 99.94%. BET results indicate reversible adsorption and desorption cycles of macro-porous structures. Significantly, a fast shape-recovery is registered from compressive stress-strain hysteresis loops. After 80% compressive strain, the cryogels recovered fast and completely upon load release released.

Ultra-light and flexible nanochitin aerogel prepared from ice templating

2019 Spring National Meeting

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