Improving Properties of Bacterial Cellulose by Incorporating Bio-Based Films

---

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been proposed as a novel renewable material for sustainable apparel. However, properties of the current BC material are not fully suitable for apparel products. With the purpose of reducing BC's moisture absorbency, this study aimed to experiment a method of modifying BC by incorporating commercially available bio-based sustainable films during its growing process. Five film samples were placed on the surface of the tea medium prepared for BC growth that were left to grow for three weeks in a static condition. The experimental results showed that the selected films could not be incorporated with BC as they prevented adequate airflow and inhibited BC growth. Further experiments should be conducted using more porous and breathable films. Incorporating commercially available bio-based films could be an efficient way for enhancing BC to make it viable for apparel products.

How to Cite:

Ghalachyan, A., Lee, Y. & Nam, C., (2016) “Improving Properties of Bacterial Cellulose by Incorporating Bio-Based Films”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 73(1).