Effect of eggshell on mechanical properties of epichlorohydrin cross-linked chitosan/eggshell composites

Abstract

The effect of eggshell particles on the mechanical properties of epichlorohydrin crosslinked chitosan/eggshell composites had been studied. The content of eggshell particles in each composites was varied from 2.5 to 13.4% (w/w). The tensile strength was 60% improved, compared to the control chitosan. The composite with 13.4% (w/w) content of eggshell particles showed the optimum tensile strength. The XRD patterns exhibited the decrease in peak intensity of chitosan at 2θ = 20° due to the addition of epichlorohydrin as a crosslinking agent of chitosan and incorporation of eggshell particles to crosslinked chitosan. The peak intensity at 2θ = 44° was increased due to the addition of eggshell particles. Scanning elecron microscopy images confirmed the eggshell particles was dispersed into chitosan matrix.