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γ-Ray Irradiation Practical Conditions for Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Material Production
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Abstract
The present work focuses on the γ-ray irradiation doses and conditions (dry solid state, solid state dispersing in 0.5–2 % aqueous H2O2 solution, solid state dispersing in 1% aqueous acetic acid, and 2% aqueous K2S2O8) to determine the level that the molecular weight of chitosan is lowered significantly without changing its primary structure. Molecular weight of chitosan (105-106 Dalton) is reduced approximately 50% under the γ-ray dose of 20 kGy in the dry solid state. The decrease in molecular weight is enhanced up to 80% when chitosan is suspended in 0.5–2 % aqueous H2O2 solution during γ-ray irradiation. In either condition, the backbone structure of the irradiated product is maintained with little change in the terminal chain. In the cases of (i) chitosan suspended in 2% aqueous K2S2O8 and (ii) chitosan in 1% aqueous acetic acid, chitosans lose their primary structures and physical properties.
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- Copyright © Materials Research Society 2004