Nanostructured membranes based on native chitin nanofibers prepared by mild process

•Method for isolation of low protein chitin nanofibers.•Preserved state of chitin molar mass and degree of acetylation.•Nanopaper from chitin nanofibers show high strength and toughness. Procedures for chitin nanofiber or nanocrystal extraction from Crustaceans modify the chitin structure significantly, through surface deacetylation, surface oxidation and/or molar mass degradation. Here, very mild conditions were used to disintegrate chitin fibril bundles and isolate low protein content individualized chitin nanofibers, and prepare nanostructured high-strength chitin membranes. Most of the strongly ‘bound’ protein was removed. The degree of acetylation, crystal structure as well as length and width of the native chitin microfibrils in the organism were successfully preserved. Atomic force microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, showed chitin nanofibers with width between 3 and 4nm. Chitin membranes were prepared by filtration of hydrocolloidal nanofiber suspensions. Mechanical and optical properties were measured. The highest data so far reported for nanostructured chitin membranes was obtained for ultimate tensile strength, strain to failure and work to fracture. Strong correlation was observed between low residual protein content and high tensile properties and the reasons for this are discussed.