Nanochitin as a Strength-Enhancing Agent for Paper-Based Packaging Material.

ABSTRACT: Paper-based packaging materials are a promising solution for the circular economy, but their performance needs significant improvement for broader applications, replacing conventional plastics. This study explores the potential of nanocrystalline chitin as a nanoadditive to enhance the mechanical properties of paper pulp for advanced paper-based packaging solutions. Through systematic morphological, thermal, and spectroscopic characterization, we established a comprehensive interaction mechanism in which initial electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged components facilitate the formation of dynamic, twinkling hydrogen bonds between chitin nanoparticles and paper fibers in the aqueous environment, subsequently evolving into stable hydrogen bonding networks. This molecular archit

SUBMITTER: Rajeev A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12223907 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature