Australian researchers work with Crab shells to develop odor-repellent fabrics for car seats

RMIT University researchers in Australia are using a natural biopolymer found in crustaceans to create odour-repellent fabrics for use in the automotive industry.

The researchers are studying how specialised fabrics could provide smart solutions for car interiors, resisting odors and staying cleaner for longer.

For the anti-odor research, various fragrance oils were applied to 100 per cent polyester woven automotive fabric – the predominant fabric used in the industry – in combination with chitosan.

Chitosan, a natural biopolymer sourced from the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps, was selected because of its filmforming ability and antimicrobial attributes.

The study found combining chitosan with the fragrance oil produced a durable fragrance finish in the fabric and gave it excellent antimicrobial properties.

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