Process for electrospinning chitin fibers from chitinous biomass solution

US9683309B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama · US

Inventors

• Richard P. Swatloski · Tuscaloosa, US
• Patrick S. Barber · Tuscaloosa, US
• Terrance Opichka · Tuscaloosa, US
• Jonathan R. Bonner · Tuscaloosa, US
• Gabriela Gurau · Tuscaloosa, US
• Christopher S Griggs · Vicksburg, US
• Robin D. Rogers · Tuscaloosa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 24, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 20, 2017
• Expiry date: Dec 12, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC D): Textiles; Paper
• CPC primary: D01F9/00
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed are methods for electrospinning chitinous biomass solution to form chitin fibers, using ionic liquids or other ion-containing liquids as solvent. Chitin fibers produced thereby and articles containing such chitin fibers are also disclosed. The chitin fiber thus obtained has very high surface area and improved strength over currently commercially available chitin materials.