Preparation of Chitin Nanofibers from Dry Chitin Powder by Star Burst System: Dependence on Number of Passes

Chitin nanofibers were prepared from dry chitin powder by using a Star Burst instrument that employs a high-pressure water jet system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, as well as the light transmittance of chitin nanofiber slurry and the nanocomposite with acrylic resin, indicated that the nanofibers became thinner as the number of Star Burst passes increased. However, above 30 passes, the fiber thickness did not change significantly. SEM images and the viscosity of the nanofibers showed that fiber length decreased because the fibers began to break above 30 passes. The mechanical properties of chitin nanofiber sheets were improved by increasing the number of passes up to 30, but further treatment did not improve these properties. However, X-ray diffraction measurements indicated that the Star Burst system did not damage the crystalline part of chitin fibers.