Check feasibility: a first assessment in six steps.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into PP

Z-Chitosan enters PP via a masterbatch processed with the base polymer by injection moulding, extrusion or blow moulding. PP melt temperatures are typically about 200–280 °C (guide value). Whether Z-Chitosan covers this window is checked for each project. Surface testing to ISO 22196.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into PE

For PE mouldings, films and hollow parts, Z-Chitosan is dosed as a masterbatch. Guide melt temperatures: LDPE about 180–240 °C, HDPE about 210–270 °C. Films and containers in contact with food must also meet Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Surface testing to ISO 22196.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into PVC

In PVC, Z-Chitosan is incorporated via a masterbatch or compound, for example in profiles, tubing and films. Guide values: PVC-U about 160–210 °C, PVC-P about 170–190 °C. For flexible PVC, compatibility with plasticisers and stabilisers is a separate test point. Testing to ISO 22196, material resistance to ISO 846.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into PET

PET is processed at about 260–280 °C (guide value) into bottles, trays, films and fibres. Z-Chitosan would be added as a masterbatch; given the high temperature, thermal stability is the first test point. Food contact applications fall under Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into PS

PS is injection moulded and extruded at about 170–280 °C (guide value), for example for housings, labware and packaging. Z-Chitosan is dosed as a masterbatch. Open points are temperature stability and clarity in transparent grades. Testing to ISO 22196.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into ABS

ABS for housings, handles and appliance parts is processed at about 190–270 °C (guide value). Z-Chitosan is added as a masterbatch during injection moulding. Open points are temperature stability and the effect on surface finish and colour. Testing to ISO 22196.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into polyamide

Polyamide sits at the upper end of processing temperatures: PA6 about 230–290 °C, PA66 about 270–300 °C (guide values). For masterbatch incorporation, the thermal stability of Z-Chitosan is therefore the decisive test point. Coating the finished part is an alternative.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into PC

PC is processed at about 280–320 °C (guide value). Whether masterbatch incorporation is possible depends on the temperature limit of Z-Chitosan. For PC parts, a subsequent coating is the obvious route. Testing to ISO 22196.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into PU and TPU

TPU is moulded or extruded at about 190–230 °C (guide value), for example for tubing, handles and films; Z-Chitosan is then added as a masterbatch. In reactive PU systems such as coatings and foams, it is stirred into one component. Testing to ISO 22196.

How Z-Chitosan is applied to silicone

For silicone, coating is the obvious route: Z-Chitosan becomes part of a coating solution applied by dipping or spraying, for example on catheters. Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) cures in the mould at about 160–200 °C, and post-curing can reach 200 °C (guide values). Open points are adhesion, sterilisation and biological evaluation to ISO 10993-1.

How Z-Chitosan is applied to cotton

Cotton is finished on a pad mangle: padding at room temperature, drying at about 70–80 °C, curing at about 120–150 °C (guide values for cotton finishes). Z-Chitosan is part of the finishing liquor. Testing to ISO 20743; resistance to laundering is tested separately.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into or applied to polyester

Polyester offers two routes: Z-Chitosan as a masterbatch in the spinning melt (PET guide value about 260–280 °C) or as a finish applied to the fabric on a pad mangle. The second route avoids the high spinning temperature. Testing to ISO 20743, wash resistance separately.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into nonwovens

Nonwovens for wipes, diapers and pads are treated either in the fibre (masterbatch in the PP melt, guide value about 200–280 °C) or afterwards by spray or pad application. Which layer is treated depends on the product. Testing to ISO 20743; classification as a treated article or cosmetic depends on the product.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into waterborne paints

In emulsion paints and waterborne coatings, Z-Chitosan is stirred in as an additive at room temperature. Open points are compatibility with the binder and the paint's pH, and in-can storage stability. The dried paint film is tested to ISO 22196, resistance to fungal growth to EN 15457.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into epoxy coatings

In epoxy floor coatings, Z-Chitosan is stirred into one component of the two-part system. Application and curing take place at ambient temperature. Open points are compatibility with resin and hardener, pot life and distribution at the surface. The cured film is tested to ISO 22196.

How Z-Chitosan is applied to membranes

Reverse osmosis, nanofiltration and ultrafiltration membranes are coated: Z-Chitosan is applied from an aqueous solution onto the separation layer, with drying and post-treatment set by the membrane system. Open points are flux, rejection and resistance to cleaning chemicals. Drinking water applications must also meet national requirements.

How Z-Chitosan is incorporated into aqueous formulations

In wipe lotions, deodorants and other aqueous formulations, Z-Chitosan is stirred in. Chitosan dissolves under acidic conditions, so the pH of the formulation is a key test point. Where production involves heat, the temperature limit applies. Cosmetic or biocidal product depending on purpose; preservation efficacy test to ISO 11930.

How Z-Chitosan is applied to metal

Metal surfaces such as stainless steel or aluminium are coated: Z-Chitosan is part of a paint or coating solution applied by spraying or dipping. The curing temperature depends on the coating system. Open points are adhesion, abrasion and resistance to cleaning agents. Testing to ISO 22196.