The effects of chitosan antimicrobial treatments on the physical and mechanical properties and wear performances of highly elastic fabrics used for burn scar management

Abstract

As exerted pressures play a critical role on highly elastic fabrics on performances of pressure garments in burn scar management, they should also protect their physical and mechanical properties after chemical treatments. Samples were treated with chitosan to achieve antimicrobial property for further designs to help rehabilitation. In this study, the physical, mechanical properties and wear performances of chitosan treated highly elastic fabrics in comparison with untreated control samples were investigated. Results showed that a small significant decrease was observed for air permeability, bursting strength and drapeability while a small significant increase was observed for stiffness (CD, MD). The elasticity of the fabrics was protected during 90 days observation with time-dependent fabric growth analysis. The moisture regain of the fabric samples showed a small significant increase. Antimicrobial tests showed that all treated samples have a very good antimicrobial activity.

Keywords:

• Chitosan
• air permeability
• stiffness
• bursting strength
• fabric growth
• porosity