Tailored chitin copolyesters: a study of butyric-succinic derivative for advanced material applications

The study addresses the limitations of chitin and its derivatives obtained by modification, particularly the poor solubility of the base material and the toxic and environmentally harmful reagents used for its modification. The main objective is synthesising a butyrate-succinate derivative of chitin using an environmentally friendly catalyst that allows precise control over the material's properties. The study investigated how changing the ratio of butyric anhydride to succinic anhydride affects the physical and chemical properties of the synthesised chitin copolyesters.The study synthesised chitin copolyesters via esterification using butyric and succinic anhydrides with methanesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The resulting derivatives were examined using analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy - (FTIR ATR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface properties of the materials were assessed by contact angle measurements using water.The study successfully synthesises butyric-succinic chitin copolyesters. Analytical results demonstrate significant structural modifications, confirmed by FTIR ATR and H NMR, while preserving the glycosidic structure of chitin. Increasing the ratio of succinic groups enhances the hydrophilicity of the materials, as evidenced by reduced contact angles. Thermal analysis shows that the modifications do not compromise the thermal stability of the polymer. The findings highlight the potential of the synthesised copolyesters for tailored applications, such as hydrophilic or hydrophobic coatings and advanced biomaterials.The study is limited to using methanesulfonic acid as a catalyst and a specific range of anhydride ratios. Future research could explore other environmentally friendly catalysts and broader compositional ranges to optimise and diversify the functional properties of the derivatives. Additionally, large-scale synthesis and application-specific testing are recommended to validate the materials for industrial use.The developed method provides a sustainable and efficient pathway to modify chitin, enabling its use in advanced applications. Hydrophilic derivatives could potentially find applications as dressings and water filtration systems. Meanwhile, hydrophobic variants can be used in waterproof coatings and packaging materials. The more environmentally friendly synthesis method aligns with current trends in research aimed at obtaining advanced materials.The research introduces a novel and environmentally conscious approach to synthesising chitin copolyesters, addressing significant challenges in chitin modification. The possibility of precisely controlling the surface properties expands the potential applications of the obtained chitin derivatives.