Preparation and characterization of cellulose fiber/chitosan composites

Abstract Cellulose fiber/chitosan biodegradable rod (CF/CS rod) with layer‐by‐layer structure, good mechanical properties, and excellent X‐ray developing capability was successfully constructed via in‐situ precipitated method. As the ratio of CF to CS was 0.2/20 (wt/wt), the bending strength and bending modulus arrived at 124.1 MPa and 4.3 GPa, respectively, were significantly improved compared with pure CS rod. TGA indicated that the thermal stability of CS rod could be enhanced by mixing with CF, but fiber and matrix are partially compatible. SEM made clear that fibers were randomly dispersed in the CS matrix to connect layers of CS rod that can endure stress. FTIR spectra illuminated that small amount of Schiff base was formed due to the chemical reaction between fibers and CS matrix, which could enhance the mechanical combining stress of the interface. Thus, CF/CS rod has great potential to be used as internal fixation of bone fracture. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers