Fabrication of Shaped Chitin Fibers by Gradient Regeneration Combined with a Physical Pressure Method

Abstract

The exigency within the textile industry for molded fibers has become increasingly pronounced, owing to the coveted attributes inherent in planar fiber products, namely, their luxuriant tactile quality, ethereal weightiness, and avant-garde allure. In this investigation, we propose a pioneering methodology for the synthesis of planar chitin fibers, diverging from the conventional paradigm of spinneret design for fiber shaping. Analytical methodologies, encompassing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical microscopy, were judiciously harnessed to unravel the intricacies of the fiber formation process. By subjecting chitin fibers to coagulation baths infused with phytic acid, a stratified dermalcore architecture was engendered, endowing the fibers with remarkable malleability under exogenic forces, thereby culminating in the homogeneous production of planar chitin fibers. Thorough scrutiny through optical microscopy and cross-sectional analysis substantiates the efficacy of this innovative approach. These revelations not only bestow invaluable insights into the fabrication of planar fibers but also broaden the horizons of potential chitin applications across multifarious domains.