Characterization of surface properties of Chitosan, Polytetrahydrofuron and their blends

Abstract

Abstract In this research characterization of surface properties of chitosan (Ch), polytetrahydrofuron (PTHF) and Chitosan/PTHF blends have been investigated with the help of tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) and monitored by contact angle measurements. Chitosan is blended with polytetrahydrofuron in 1% acetic acid solution and the solution is cast to prepare the mixture film. For measurements of the contact angle liquids (glycerol) on the surface of chitosan. The surface free energy (γs), dispersive (gsd) and polar (gsp) components were calculated from contact angle values by Owens-Wendt methods using an appropriate computer program. The find values of polar and dispersive components of surface free energy show that PTHF films are much more polar than chitosan films. In case of Chitosan/PTHF blends, the values of surface free energy and polar component are decreased significantly compared with pure polymers. With the help of this behaviour it is indicated hydrophobic character of this surface. These changes of contour images were considered by determining the root mean square (RMS) deviation in the image data. This study of blends by AFM showed a totally different surface morphology when it compared with pure components. The roughness of chitosan/PTHF blends increases with the increase percentage of Chitosan content. This type of results may indicate a strong interaction between these polymeric components.