Marine Polymers as Ecofriendly Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Plastics

Nanofibers with diameters between 100 nm to 200 nm were easily prepared from various water-soluble marine polysaccharides by combining ultrasonic atomization with freeze casting. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated considerable differences in fiber diameter and morphology between the types as well as the concentrations of polymers. Nanofibers with uniform orientation were obtained by rapid freezing. The anti-bacterial activity of chitosan nanofibers is suitable for their use as food packaging material. Biodegradable composites of chitosan nanofibers and cellulose paper could be a solution to the problem of ocean pollution from single-use petroleum-based plastics.

Keywords: Freeze casting, Nanofiber, Polysaccharides.