Practical 9: Chitosan Preparation

 Practical 9

Week 14

Teammates Present: Shawn, Trumann, Nelly and Jovan

Written By Trumann

In this session, the whole team was in the workshop to meet the goals set for the day. Parts of the 4th prototype were sanded down using smooth sandpaper (2000 grit) with water. This was done to ensure there were no particles stuck on the acrylic walls during the sanding process which allows for the glue to uniformly stick to the surface hence creating a strong tight seal. The sanded parts were put aside and were to be glued in another session.

The dissolved chitosan and 1M KOH was first prepared using the new procedures prepared in the previous sessions.

Chitosan dissolving on hotplate

Excel calculations of KOH pallet mass required for 700mL of 1M KOH solution.

While waiting for the chitosan to dissolve, the electrolysis setup was prepared. However, when checking whether the crude prototype was air-tight, it was found it had a minor leak. However, the leakage point was not found and the experiment was delayed to the next session. In the meantime, the team prepared 2 solutions of KOH with dissolved chitosan which was to be used for the next experiment. Dr Noel gave the team some possible reasons for the crude prototype to leak like the cap and the pipe were not rigid which meant that the glue could not stay in place thus leading to the previously sealed air-tight prototype having leaks for air to escape.

The 3rd prototype went through the leak test and a leak point was found at the electrodes and flex glue was added to and was given time to cure.

3rd prototype after leak test

Hose fitting with one female and male connector

Tubing connecters with a female connection and male connection were recommended by Dr Noel. This connecters allows the prototype to achieve a sturdy and air tight seal compared to using a rubber tubing that might bend during operation. This will fix the