Materials Based on Guar and Hydroxypropylguar Filled with Nanocrystalline Polysaccharides

Abstract

Nanocrystalline chitin and cellulose were obtained by acid hydrolysis. Their morphology and size distribution were investigated by atomic-force microscopy, dynamic laser light scattering, and UV spectrophotometry. The effect of the nature of the nanocrystalline polysaccharide (chitin or cellulose), its content (0-10 wt. %), and the nature of the polymeric matrix (guar or hydroxypropylguar) on the distribution of the polysaccharides in the polymeric matrix and the deformation–strength and sorption of the polysaccharides of the composite films were investigated. The effect of the introduction of nanocrystalline polysaccharides on the structure of three-dimensional macroporous samples of the various matrixes was studied. The obtained materials are promising for use in the food industry and in bioengineering.