Chitin, a polysaccharide abundantly sourced from squid pens and crustacean shells, is a versatile biopolymer with diverse applications. α-chitin is predominant in crustacean shells, exhibiting a hierarchical nanofibrillar organization interspersed with proteins and calcium carbonate. Recent attention has focused on chitin nanocrystals (CNCs), produced via acid hydrolysis, which exhibit exceptional mechanical, thermal, and optical properties owing to their high aspect ratio, large surface area, and distinctive crystalline structure.
This study aims to optimize aging conditions for improving chitin crystallinity and subsequently synthesize CNCs using high-concentration hydrochloric acid via the acid reflux method. Mechanochemistry, an approach leveraging mechanical forces at room temperature, is highlighted for its potential to facilitate solution-free, energy-efficient processes. To systematically assess the influence of temperature, time, and humidity on crystallinity, factorial experiments were designed and conducted. The outcomes of this work are expected to inform the development of high-value chitin-based materials while advancing environmentally sound, scalable production strategies.