Fabrication of cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose-gelatin biocomposite, assessment of general characterization properties, and influence of crosslinker addition on composite specifications

Authors : Ceylan Finas, Orçun Çağlar Kurtuluş

Pages : 367-376

Doi:10.53516/ajfr.1813868

View : 25 | Download : 39

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background and Aims This study was started with the synthesis of cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (CHEC) from HEC, which is a biological cellulose derivative. After adding different amounts of Gel polymer into the CHEC matrix, bicomposite materials were obtained. The general characterization properties of these composites were investigated for determining their usability for various applications. Methods Initially, HEC was cationized with glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMAC). Subsequently, Gel was incorporated into CHEC structure in varying proportions (80/20, 50/50, and 20/80; 80/20 denotes 80% CHEC and 20% Gel w/w). Composites were produced by means of the lyophilization process, even after freezing the polymer compounds at -86°C for 24 hours. The effects of the crosslinkers, CaCl₂ (C) (5%) or TA (tannic acid) (5%), were also added into the composition to show their efficiency compared to non-added pure samples. Porosity values, density, BET (Bruneuer Emmett Teller) surface area values, liquid absorption (water, phosphate-buffered saline-PBS, oil), water vapor transmission (WVT), FTIR spectrum, bacterial resistance, and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) imaging experiments were carried out to perform the characterization. Results The low level of density values were determined between 0.0121 g/cm³-0.0238 g/cm³. In addition to high porosity also high spesific surface area values (206 g/m² to 307 g/m²) were obtained and it was determined that both these specifications were negatively effected with addition of crosslinker. Liquid absorption performances were also evaluated and high levels for each liquids (water 1135%-1533%; PBS 1098%-1628%; oil 1237%-5236%) were measured addition to antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli. Conclusion Freezing-lyophilization process was carried out to obtain CHEC-Gel-based biocomposites with different mixing ratios of CHEC and Gel. Low level of density and highly porous structures were obtained. Their high WVT, antibacterial properties, and capacity to absorb liquids were all highlighted in the experiments, suggesting that these materials have a wide range of potential specialized uses.
Keywords : Katyonik hidroksietil selüloz, kompozit, jelatin, hidroksietil selüloz

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