Exploring the Potential of Bacterial Cellulose for Use in Apparel

Abstract

As consumers continue to shift towards being more environmentally conscious, new materials are emerging on the industry landscape. Bacterial cellulose applications are of particular interest. This unique material has the potential to yield more sustainably produced cellulose than traditional products. To this point, investigation into common, essential properties for apparel applications has been limited. This project compared 3 main types of media, 2 variations of these media types, 2 drying methods and 1 treatment application to ascertain the most economical and beneficial methods of cultivation for this material. The resulting material was measured for cellulose yield, strength, and elongation and abrasion resistance. Overall, it was discovered that material grown in the molasses mannitol media produced the most cellulose. The strongest cellulose was also molasses mannitol and the most resistant to abrasion. Cellulose from the treatment conditions tended to have the greatest length for elongation at the breaking point. Overcoming some of this material’s deficits will be necessary in order for it to become a more widely used source of cellulose in apparel.