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Thesis
Mechanically robust multi-layered chitosan thin films
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
May 2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3292
Abstract
The biomimicry of butterfly wings is a field that depends on reproducing ordered arrangements, on the nanometer scale, that produce structural color. An often difficult task to recreate such intricate and small features, thin film production via spin coating is a reasonable and effective method of doing so. Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that has been utilized in thin films, and has shown the ability to chelate to metallic ions in solution, such that the film can be used as a sensor. The lack of durability and stability of chitosan thin films, however, have restricted their implementation. In this study, the unique structural color found in butterfly wings is mimicked by stacking alternating layers of a high refractive index material, chitosan, with a low refractive index material, silica nanoparticles. The nanoparticle arrangement and void characterization of the silica layer has been studied by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and have shown to mimic the air pockets seen in butterfly wings. The developed films posses a higher mechanical stability than any other previous natural polymer thin film, as well as high resistance to peeling and flaking. Because of the strong metal chelation properties that chitosan possesses, silica-chitosan thin films have been studied for the applications of hexavalent chromium detection, matching the sensitivity to hexavalent chromium detection of single layer chitosan films. Silica-chitosan thin films were used as a method for drug delivery, and UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed a controlled time release of Diphenhydramine HCl from the films.
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Details
- Title
- Mechanically robust multi-layered chitosan thin films
- Creators
- Aldo DiPrato - DU
- Contributors
- Caroline L. Schauer (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Materials (Science and) Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) [Historical]; College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3292; 991014632598304721