Morphology and Miscibility of Chitin-Polyaniline Blend

In this article, we discuss the blending of chitin with polyaniline (PANI) and its miscibility. Miscibility of the chitin-PANI blend has been studied by solution viscometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. From viscosity measurement Krigbaum and Wall polymer-polymer interaction parameter (Δb) is calculated; it is found to be positive for all compositions of the blend. From FTIR analysis, probable interaction is predicted. Viscosity measurement of chitin and PANI blends shows a linear relationship between intrinsic viscosity and blend composition with a positive deviation from the theoretical value and positive value of Δb refers to the miscibility of the blend system. From SEM studies, blends having 5% lithium chloride (LiCl) show a homogeneous and continuous structure. Blends having less than 5% LiCl show a homogeneous and fibrillar structure, which is further supported by atomic force microscopy studies. Fibrous structure improves as the amount of PANI increases. FTIR analysis confirms the interaction between chitin and PANI. Further, this result is supported by DSC, TGA, XRD and dissolution studies of the blend.