Synthesis and characterization of monolithic k-carrageenan aerogels

Kurzfassung

Aerogels of k-carrageenan were synthesized and their properties were investigated by envelope density analyzer, scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. The concentrations of k-carrageenan were varied between 0.5 and 3 wt %. Aerogels showed volume shrinkage, 55-65 %, depending upon the concentration of k-carrageenan. The envelope density was in the range between 42-160 kg.m-3. For all concentrations, the specific surface area of aerogels was about 225 m2.g-1. The interconnected fibrillar structures of aerogel and fibre thickness were characterized by scanning electron microscope.