Study on Production and Kinetics of Chitosan from Shrimp Shell Waste using Factorial Design Experimental Technique

In order to deduce the optimum conditions of chitosan production, a statistical model based on 23 full factorial design was used. The optimum conditions of deacetylation reaction were investigated using batch experiments technique. The investigated factors are NaOH concentration, time of the deacetylation reaction, and reaction temperature. A first order model was elaborated and a regression equation obtained that showed a strong determination coefficient (0.946). The kinetics of the reaction was studied and the order of deacetylation reaction was deduced and was found to be pseudo – first order law. Activation energy of the deacetylation reaction was found to be 3.86 kJ/mole.