Method of preparing chitin films

Abstract

The invention provides a method of preparing chitin films and novel chitin films produced by the method of the invention. In the invention, chitin solution is coagulated to form a gel which is then pressed to form a film. The film, still under press is further processed to remove residual solvent and the film is then washed. An absorbent-matrix may be introduced into the chitin solution to form a swellable film and the invention also provides a method of preparing an absorbent-matrix by mixing two or more polymer solutions to form a precipitate, dispersion or coacervate which is then isolated and dried to form the absorbent matrix.