No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The aim of the study is to activate inert PET surface in order to introduce the carboxyl groups and to obtain its hydrophilic character. Two advanced and environmentally friendly techniques were used for these purposes: i) oxygen plasma activation; ii) enzymatic treatment by cutinase. Differently treated PET foils were studied in terms of carboxylic group content (non‐aqueous potentiometric titrations, XPS) and hydrophobic/hydrophilic character (goniometry). Moreover, the influence of both activation procedures onto chitosan adsorption was examined by XPS, zeta potential measurements and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. Obtained results show that plasma activation gives for around 19% higher amount of carboxylic groups than cutinase treatment and is during the storage less stable. Results clearly show that the use of both surfaces activation processes increases the ability of PET foils for chitosan adsorption. Due to the fact that chitosan is an antimicrobial agent, obtained materials may be applied as an active packaging system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013

The aim and novelty of this work was to compare the adsorption of totally-soluble chitosan (acidic solution) against the adsorption of precipitated chitosan, onto cellulose fibers. The influences of both these chitosan-adsorption procedures on a final amino group's content in functionalized cellulose fibers were studied, using potentiometric titration and the conventional spectrophotometric C.I. Acid Orange 7 method. Surface modification and adsorption of chitosan were, in addition, monitored by determining XPS spectra. The antimicrobial activities of both chitosan-functionalised cellulose fibers were examined, in regard to pathogen bacteria and fungus.