Sustainability-Oriented Surface Modification of Polyester Knitted Fabrics with Chitosan

The existing research deals with the process of modifying polyester knitted fabrics and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics with chitosan and the stability of functionalized surface with chitosan in the washing process according to a standard and an innovative washing procedure. The current research concept aims to evaluate the degree of progressivity and progressiveness: the modification of polyester knitted fabrics with chitosan and an innovative washing process. The polyester and polyester/cotton fabrics modified with chitosan were characterized by a staining test, microscopic analysis, zeta potential measurement, and pilling tendency of the knitted fabrics before and after five and ten washing cycles with reference detergent ECE A. The results of the zeta potential measurement of knitted fabrics functionalized with chitosan confirmed cationization of the polyester and polyester/cotton fabric with chitosan. The presence of chitosan on the washed knitted fabrics in reduced quantities is demonstrated by the staining test, the colour strength (K/S), and the zeta potential values. The staining test and surface charge of the tested knitted fabrics confirmed the research hypothesis regarding the degree of progressivity of the modification of polyester and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics with chitosan and the sustainability of the innovative washing process. The streaming potential proved to be a favorable method for monitoring the stability of chitosan in the washing process in combination with a staining test with the selected dye Remazol Red RB.