Unleashing nature’s potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s industries with green natural polymers -chitosan.

Abstract

The quest for environmental sustainability has induced an exploration for innovative, green alternatives to indigenous substances. In order to propel sustainable advancement, this research investigates the world of natural polymers, biodegradable compounds gotten from renewable reserves, as assuring alternatives with the capacity to revolutionize industries. With emphasis on chitosan, this
study examines the properties, uses and challenges associated with the use of natural polymer. Chitosan was produced by complete deacetylation of chitin from crustacean shells (snail shell). Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the chitosan produced. The FTIR spectrum of chitosan had strong peaks observed at 3640.58cm due to O-H stretching, the bands at
1413.33cm-1 for C-H bending and the band at 1632cm-1 was assigned to N-H bending. Natural polymers are considered useful in large collection of industries because of the inherent characteristics they possess. These biodegradable substances help to restructure industrial terrains, encouraging a transition towards greener alternatives that combines human innovation with suitability of the
universe.