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.