Structural Aspects of Alpha and Beta Chitin Crystals.

In the crystals of beta chitin, the chains are packed in a parallel mode. There is some controversy, however, about the packing (parallel or antiparallel) of crystals in alpha chitin. To address this problem, researchers conducted a structural study of alpha chitin from the grasping pines of Sagitta. Results indicate that the large chitin..

Crystalline Conformations of Chitosan Mole-cule in Its Organic Acid Salts.

The chitosan molecule has an extended twofold helical conformation in two (hydrated and anhydrous) crystalline polymorphs and rarely has a left handed eightfold 8/5 helix that is unstable. In salts with organic acids, the chitosan molecule also has a twof

N-Acyl Derivatives of Chitosan.

The water soluble ionic complex of chitosan with acetic acid forms regenerated chitin upon heat treatment. Researchers used this finding as the basis for analyzing analogous reactions with formic, propionic, and butyric acids. Results indicated that the d

Dependence of Water-Solubility of Chitosan on Molecular Weight and Acetylation Degree.

Researchers prepared a series of chitosan samples with various molecular weights and degrees of acetylation and investigated their water solubilities. They treated chitosan with NaBO(3) under a homogeneous condition where chitosan was previously dissolved in an aqueous acidic solution to reduce its molecular weight. GPC equipped with a LA..

Non-Natural Branched Chitosan and Chitin: Preparation and Some Properties.

Naturally occurring branched polysaccharides are attracting much attention due to their characteristic biological activities and their chemical and physical properties. To prepare branched polysaccharides with some advanced functions, researchers regioselectively branched chitosan and chitin at C-6. The reaction of 3-O-acetyl-2-N-phthaloy..

Design of Quaternary Chitosan Conjugate Having Galactose Residues as a Gene Delivery Tool.

Some saccharides play important roles in biological recognition on cellular surfaces. Researchers reported that cluster glycosides proved effective in the specific interaction between oligosaccharide chains and receptors. Gene therapy to target cells has become important in medical chemistry. Because chitosan is a cationic natural polysac..

Durable and Regnerable Antibacterial Finishing of Fabrics.

Researchers used a finishing process similar to conventional wet processing techniques to impart antibacterial properties to cotton and cotton blend fabrics. According to AATCC test methods, the antimicrobial properties of the finished fabrics were very effective against such gram positive and gram negative bacteria as Staphylococcus aure..

Surface activation of polyester and aramid to improve adhesion

In this investigation polyester and aramid for tire and PVC-coated fabrics were tested. In these end-uses a strong adhesion to the coating is required: for tire yarns the adhesion to rubber is very important while for tarpaulins it is the adhesion to PVC. The modifications attempted in this investigation did not influence other properties..

New anti-microbial acetate with wide potential

This paper discusses the key features and applications of Microsafe, an antimicrobial acetate fibre developed in the US by the division of the Hoechst Group now called Trevira. It considers new uses beyond its first applications in work socks, running shorts and other sportswear, especially in high performance apparel, bandages and dressi..

Microbial fibre keeps fabrics in fine form

Amicor and Amicor Plus fabrics containing anti-microbial fibres developed by Courtaulds R and D are described. Dermatological tests have shown that the chemicals used to not cause allergic reactions. The special fibres make use of a slow-release mechanism. Applications include underwear, sportswear, socks, bed linen, blankets and towels.