Synthesis of 2-Hydroxypropyl Trimethylammonium Chloride Chitosan and its Application in Bamboo Fiber Paper

Abstract

To obtain a functional composite paper with antibacterial activity, 2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) was prepared and sprayed onto the surface of paper made of bamboo fiber. HACC was synthesized from chitosan with 2,3-epoxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride (GTAMC), and the optimal preparation conditions were selected by single-factor tests. The highest degree of substitution (DS) of HACC reached 0.868, when the ratio of chitosan to GTAMC was 1:4, and the water solubility was noticeably improved. The structural characterization demonstrated the successful modification on the original chitosan with a decrease in heat stability and the peak correlated with hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride groups in FTIR. The addition of HACC in the bamboo fiber paper greatly increased the antibacterial activity, and water absorption was higher as well. These results may serve as a basis for the modification and the preparation of chitosan antibacterial agents.

Keywords

• Chitosan; Water solubility; Bamboo fiber paper; Antibacterial activity