Structure and properties of cellulose films reinforced by chitin whiskers

Cytocompatible nanocomposite films are prepared by blending α-chitin whiskers and cellulose solution in NaOH/urea. Structure and properties of the chitin/cellulose composite films are characterized by FT-IR, XRD, ¹³C NMR, SEM, UV-Vis, TGA, and tensile tests. The results reveal that the chitin whiskers are dispersed homogeneously, leading to good miscibility and properties of the chitin/cellulose composite films. By varying the chitin whisker content, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the films can be controlled. HeLa and T293 cells are seeded onto the surfaces of the nanocomposite films, showing that the composite films were nontoxic to both cell types and that the addition of chitin whiskers promotes cell adhesion and proliferation. Chitin whisker/cellulose nanocomposite films exhibit good miscibility and favorable mechanical properties. The addition of chitin whiskers imrproves the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of the cellulose matrix significantly.