RESUMO
Chitin (Ch) and chitin nanowhiskers (ChNW) were prepared, characterized, and applied as adsorbent to remove crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. Ch was obtained from shrimp wastes and submitted to acid hydrolysis in order to find ChNW. The increase in average pore size and the rod-like shape of ChNW were probably the main characteristics which contributed to the increase in adsorption potential, when compared with raw Ch. The adsorbent dosage considered more adequate was 5 g L-1, and the most suitable pH was 8.0. A pseudo-second-order model was adequate to represent the kinetic profile. Sips and Hill models were suitable to fit the equilibrium curves. The maximum adsorption capacity of CV on ChNW was 59.52 mg g-1, and the process was endothermic, favorable, and spontaneous. These findings indicated that ChNW have potential to be used as adsorbent in the treatment of colored wastewaters.
Assuntos
Quitina/química , Corantes/química , Violeta Genciana/química , Águas Residuárias/análise , Adsorção , Cinética , Águas Residuárias/química , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Purificação da ÁguaRESUMO
A nano-composite from biologically obtained chitin nanofillers homogenously dispersed in a poly(ε-caprolactone) matrix was successfully achieved by an ultrasonication-assisted non-toxic and non-aqueous methodology. For this purpose, biological chitin was obtained from lactic acid fermentation of shrimp wastes and converted into chitin whiskers by acidic hydrolysis in a novel process at low temperature (4°C) that enhanced the distribution and yield. Additionally, the polyester matrix was enzymatically produced in a non-toxic compressed fluid (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane at 25bar and 65°C) medium. The homogeneous distribution of the nanofiller in the matrix was corroborated by confocal and atomic force microscopies. Films of the nanocomposite were physicochemically characterized to assess its adequate properties. Additionally, the qualitative viability of human fibroblasts and osteoblasts cells was studied on the produced nanocomposite films showing good biocompatibility.