Biodegradable textile coatings

The rising demand for sustainable materials and the critical scrutiny of traditional plastics are leading to growing interest in bio-based and biodegradable plastics. The project focused on the extent to which textile coatings used for Functionalisation influence the biodegradability of textiles or are themselves biodegradable.

Solution

The chitosan-based textile finishes developed are highly biodegradable in both the uncrosslinked and crosslinked states, but exhibit noticeable shortcomings compared to conventional finishes in terms of selected functionalities and durability. However, they represent a very good starting point (base formulation) for the further development and improved Functionalisation of textile finishes.