Abstract

Graft polymerization induced by ionizing radiation is a powerful tool in materials science to modifying the physical properties of polymers. Chitosan is a biocompatible, biodegradable, antibacterial, and highly hydrophilic polysaccharide. In this work, we report the obtaining of amphiphilic polymers through graft polymerization of acrylic monomers (methyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, and hexyl acrylate) onto chitosan. The polymerization reaction was carried out by simultaneous irradiation of monomers and chitosan using a gamma radiation source of 60Co. The formation of Langmuir films of amphiphilic polymers was studied at the air-water interface through surface pressure versus main molecular area isotherms (Π-A) and hysteresis cycles of compression and decompression. Finally, it was analyzed the transferring of Langmuir films towards solid substrates to obtaining Langmuir-Blodgett films with potential application as an antibacterial coating. The microstructure of the Langmuir-Blodgett films was characterized by AFM microscopy observing a regular topography with roughness ranging between 0.53 and 0.6 μm.

Highlights

  • Ionizing radiation produces different effects over polymers

  • We report the obtaining of amphiphilic polymers through graft polymerization of acrylic monomers onto chitosan

  • The graft polymerization of acrylic monomers onto chitosan was carried out applying the bulk and solution polymerization techniques

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Ionizing radiation produces different effects over polymers. Degradation by cleavage of the polymer backbone, crosslinking and grafting [1]. Ionizing radiation is a powerful tool for modifying the physical and chemical properties of polymers. Graft polymerization induced by ionizing radiation is an easy way to obtain copolymers with a synergy of properties. Chitosan is a polysaccharide obtained by deacetylation of chitin, which is a widely occurring polymer in nature. Chitin is the most abundant polymer after cellulose and it is a renewable resource. The most important source of chitin is the crustacean exoskeletons, which contain a large amount of this biopolymer. The physical and chemical properties of chitosan have been modified employing ionizing radiation

Methods
Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.