Synthesis and characterization of chitosan:SiO2 nanocomposite by ultrasonic spray drying

Abstract

Chitosan:SiO₂ nanocomposite (Cs:SiO₂ NCs) is synthesized via aerosol processing. Ultrasonic spray drying apparatus was used to produce smaller sized composite particles with spherical morphology. Composite from shrimp shell and water glass (Na₂SiO₃) as silica precursor were used for the preparation. Cs:SiO₂ NCs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to know about the chemical bonding and morphology of the particles, respectively. Based on the FTIR investigation the absorption peak at 1090 cm⁻¹ represents the reaction of silanol groups of silica with carbonyl groups of polymers leading to the formation of Si-O-C bonds. The morphology of Cs:SiO₂ NCs was more spherical than chitosan particles with relatively narrow size distribution. The smaller particle size of Cs:SiO₂ NCs is potentially applied to engineer the material for drug delivery system.