Synthesis and characterization of material derived from Chitosan, malic acid and urea

The synthesis of chitosan-based material (CHMAUR) of different forms (foam, porous and non-porous tough gels, porous dry) through crosslinking, facilitated by urea (UR) in the presence of malic acid (MA) as the organic acid, is reported. The new material was characterized extensively using FT IR spectroscopy, CP MAS solid state NMR spectroscopy, powder x-ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Its structure was found to be independent of the form in which it was prepared. The porous dry form was characterized extensively. Its porosity was determined using helium gas pycnometry, ethanol displacement method while its morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. In this form, CHMAUR absorbed water rapidly and supported a compressive load of up to 15 MPa. With the ability to be machined using conventional tools and resistance to flame it might find use as an engineering material.