Comparison of Sorption and Antimicrobial Properties of Untreated Chitosan/Cellulose Fibres and Regenerated Cellulose Fibres Treated with Chitosan in Ultrasonic Bath

The aim of the research was to improve the sorption properties of regenerated cellulose fibres, which can be used in hygiene products. Moreover, an objective was to approximate the properties of these fibres to the properties of commercially available chitosan/cellulose fibres. In the study, regenerated cellulose fibres treated with chitosan in an ultrasonic bath were used. The structural, sorption and microbiological properties were determined. The results showed that the binding of chitosan using ultrasonic bath increased the water retention properties and structural changes were detected. The degree of polymerisation and orientation of macromolecules decreased. The study revealed that the sorption and structural properties of regenerated cellulose fibres are after the treatment similar to the untreated chitosan/cellulose fibres. The ultrasound treatment affects the fibre structure and with chitosan, the treatment sorption and microbiological properties improve. Therefore, regenerated cellulose fibres treated with chitosan are suitable for the use in hygiene products, e.g. female tampons.