The crystal structure of chitin and chitosan

Roentgenographic studies are performed to investigate the structural changes in chitin under pressure and shear during its solid-state processing using a twin-screw extruder and Bridgman anvils. The structure of chitosan synthesized by the solid-phase method is studied. Deformation under the conditions of dry extrusion grinding at room temperature reduces the crystallinity of the original chitin. Addition of water restores the crystallinity of the material up to the value characteristic of the original chitin. Extrusion processing of chitin at room temperature with addition of water virtually preserves the crystallinity and degree of ordering of the chitin crystal lattice, the same as ordinary dry grinding at an elevated (180°C) temperature. The maximum degree of amorphization of chitin is attained by its processing on Bridgman anvils. Solid-state synthesis of chitosan from chitin leads to a product with a more amorphous structure in comparison with chitosan produced by the suspension method.