Properties of Aqeous Solutions of O,N-Carboxymethyl Chitosan with Various Additives

Resumo

Samples of carboxymethyl chitosan have been synthesized with different extents of substitution by changing the reaction conditions. Carboxymethyl chitosan completely dissolves in water when the extent of substitution exceeds 90%. The theological properties were studied for 4% aqueous solutions of carboxymethyl chitosan with CaCl₂ and Ca(OH)₂ as additives as well as for a mixture of carboxymethyl chitosan and polyethylene oxide with added CaCl₂. The introduction of additives to aqueous solutions of carboxymethyl chitosan leads to enhanced viscosity and gel formation.