Properties of nonwoven fabric modified with chitosan solution

The modification of nonwoven fabrics designed to impart antibacterial properties is an important process in the manufacture of a wide range of medical products, including medical face masks, wound dressings, surgical drapes, etc. However, apart from antibacterial properties, the effect of modification on the consumer properties of nonwoven fabric is also of interest. The present study was aimed at examining the consumer and antibacterial properties of nonwoven fabric modified with chitosan. In addition to exhibiting antibacterial activity, chitosan is also a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer. In this study, four industrial grades of chitosan were examined: Premium Quality chitosan (Italy), food-grade acid-soluble chitosan, chitosan succinate, and low-molecular-weight food-grade water-soluble chitosan (Russia). It was found that of the studied chitosan grades, food-grade acid-soluble chitosan and Premium Quality chitosan exhibit antibacterial activity. The treatment of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric obtained using the spunbond technology with a chitosan solution leads to a decrease in air permeability by 19% and an increase in stiffness by 77%. When chitosan solution concentrations of up to 0.2% are used, vapor permeability increases; however, a further concentration increase leads to a decrease in this parameter. Within the analyzed range, the hygroscopicity does not change. The study results indicate the inexpediency of impregnating medical nonwoven fabrics with chitosan solution at concentrations higher than 0.2%, since at higher concentrations, the consumer properties (air and vapor permeability) of modified nonwoven fabric deteriorate.