Complex study on chitosan degradability

Abstract

Results of photo- and thermodegradation of chitosan of different degrees of deacetylation (DD) were discussed. On the basis of the results of thermodegradation under isothermal and dynamic conditions thermal stability of chitosan films, also photochemically modified samples (UV irradiated for 1 h), was estimated. Investigations under isothermal conditions were carried out in the air atmosphere and cover the temperature range from 100°C to 200°C. Basing on the results of weight loss it was found that most susceptible to degradation was the sample of the higher DD; with an increase of temperature the observed changes were more distinct. Both during thermo- and photodegradation a decrease of DD of chitosan was observed. Modification of chitosan films by UV irradiation decreases the characteristic parameters of thermodestruction.