HYGIENIC PAPERS MODIFIED BY FUNCTIONAL BIOPOLYMER-BIOCIDE COMPOSITIONS IN A PILOT RESEARCH INSTALLATION

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the process of manufacturing and applying functionalising additives using a pilot research installation. As part of the optimisation evaluation, hygienic papers functionalised with biopolymer-biocide compositions based on chitosan, starch and Gemini surfactants were prepared. The microbiological properties and susceptibility to biodegradation of prototype hygienic papers (prepared in EPICOM) were assessed. In particular, the minimum amount of biopolymer and bioactive agent were determined to ensure the finished product exerted antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and was more than 90% biodegradable in a compost environment. Under optimal conditions, the hygienic paper exerted excellent antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli as well as good activity against B. subtilis. Moreover, the hygienic paper showed more than 90% biodegradability in compost conditions within 8 weeks.