Novel Hybrid Membranes Based on Chitosan and Organically-Modified Nano-SiO2

Abstract

A fumed nano-SiO2 surface was modified by γ- glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and it was used to prepare novel hybrid membranes in different weight percents based on chitosan. It was expected that modified nanoparticles had good dispersion and compatibility with the biopolymer domain, because of the presence of chemical bonding between modified nano-silica and chitosan. These membranes were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal studies showed better thermal stability of hybrid membranes in comparisons with unmodified chitosan membrane. Also, it was observed from SEM images that the 3 wt% sample has a better dispersion than other samples. © 2009 VSP.