Novel 2-Hydroxypropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chitosan Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization, Moisture Absorption and Retention Properties

Recent years have seen a steady increase in interest and demand for the use of humectants based on biodegradable natural polymers in many fields. The aim of this paper is to investigate the moisture absorption and retention properties of 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan derivatives which were modified by anionic compounds via ion exchange. FTIR, (1)H NMR, and (13)C NMR spectroscopy were used to demonstrate the specific structures of chitosan derivatives. The degrees of substitution for objective products were calculated by the integral ratio of hydrogen atoms according to (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Meanwhile, moisture absorption of specimens was assayed in a desiccator at different relative humidity (RH: 43% and 81%), and all target products exhibited enhanced moisture absorption. Furthermore, moisture retention measurement at different relative humidity (RH: 43%, 81%, and drier silica gel) was estimated, and all target products possessed obviously improved moisture retention property. Specifically, after 48 h later, the moisture retention property of HACBA at 81% RH was 372.34%, which was much higher than HA (180.04%). The present study provided a novel method to synthesize chitosan derivatives with significantly improved moisture absorption and retention properties that would serve as potential humectants in biomedical, food, medicine, and cosmetics fields.