Regulation of structure, rheological and surface properties of chitin nanocrystal dispersions

Abstract The hydrosols of chitin nanocrystals (ChN) are promising as modifiers of properties, drug delivery systems, and media. The purpose of this work is to clarify the mechanisms for regulating processes of stability and structure formation occurring in the ChN hydrosols under the influence of varying ionic strength. ChN were isolated from the crab shell; ChN hydrosols are obtained with different concentrations of the dispersed phase. The structure and morphology of the particles was studied by atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Hydrosols were studied by rotational viscometry, dynamic light scattering, and photometry in the presence of KCl with concentration up to 200 mM. The experimental results of finding the rapid coagulation threshold are compared with calculated ones performed with the use of the modified DLVO theory. It is established that in the range of electrolyte concentrations 30 ∼ 75 mM, the optical and rheological properties of the ChN hydrosols undergo crucial changes. At an electrolyte concentration of 20 ∼ 150 mM, particles coagulate at a secondary potential minimum; the parallel orientation of the particles is energetically more advantageous. In systems with a higher concentration of electrolyte, there is no potential barrier; rapid barrier-free coagulation is observed, with the formation of stronger coagulation contacts and the formation of stable gels.