Drying chitosan fibres

Cross-linking agents have been proposed for the improvement of chitin fibres in the wet state. Epichlorohydrin is a convenient base-catalysed crosslinker to be used in 0.067 M NaOH (pH 10) at 40 °C. The wet strength of the fibres was considerably improved, whereas cross-hnking had neghgible effect on the dry fibre properties. Of course, the more extended the chemical modification, the more unpredictable the biochemical characteristics and effects in vivo. Every modified chitin or modified chitosan fibre should be studied in terms of biocompatibiUty, biodegradabiUty and overall effects on the wounded tissues. 

These finishes are applied in pad-dry or exhaust processes to almost all kinds of fibres, especially synthetics. Favoured articles include underwear, towels and bath mats that dispense body lotion, pantyhose that reduce cellulite, pyjamas and bed linen that ease neurodermitis, and shirts and other clothing that repel mosquitoes. The fixed chitosan capsules are described to be permanent for several cycles of hand or machine washing. 

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