Macro Review of Antimicrobial Textiles

World fibre consumption is increasing day by day with increase in World population mainly in clothing. 

Textiles are favourite place to microorganism’s growth because of their ability to retain moisture and availability of large surface area. The bacteria and other microorganisms are available every where and are capable of multiplying depending upon the temperature, food and moisture availability.

At a temperature of 36 – 40 degree centigrade, few bacteria populations may get double in every 30 minutes.

One single bacteria can grow to 1 million in numbers in just 7 hours. Their growth is exponential.

The undesirable microorganism’s growth on textiles creates unwanted effects both on textiles and user.

For example, generation of unbearable mal odour, fabric becoming tendered, localized appearance of permanent stains & discoloration of textiles. Apart from this, the user is very much likely to get contaminated with microbes and suffer from various illness.

In the last few years, great amount of research has been done to prevent or eliminate microbe’s growth on apparels/other textile fabrics. The increasing health awareness of middle and upper class has also promoted the need of antimicrobial textiles availability in the market. The antimicrobial textiles are not only the need of hospitals but also required in sport wear. In fact, it is needed in all textile material, where ever warm and humid conditions exist. These conditions provide conducive environment for the bacteria to grow exponentially.

The several species, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, exist everywhere and are very much pathogenic in nature and cause multiple diseases.

Due to the increasing awareness of consumers on the health risks associated with microorganisms, the demand for antimicrobial textiles has increased significantly.

One of the fastest growing demand in textile sector is antimicrobial textiles. In Western Europe itself, 15% growth of antimicrobial is reported on yearly basis. Antimicrobial textiles are considered as “Innovative Weapons Against Infection”.

 

Antimicrobial Finishing Chemical Requirements

The ideal antimicrobial chemical should satisfy the following requirements:

1.       It should kill broad range of microbes.

2.       It should show very low toxicity to textile wearers.

3.       It should not cause any allergy or irritation to the users.

4.       It should be eco safe.

5.       The antimicrobial finish should be durable to domestic washing, dry cleaning and ironing. 

6.       The physical properties of textiles like tensile & tear strength should not be adversely affected.

7.       The antimicrobial chemical should not make fabric feel harsh.

8.       It should not make any change in colour.

9.       The appearance of the fabric should not be duller.

10.   It should be cost effective.

11.   It should be easy to apply using normal process on commonly available equipment such as stenter m/c, dyeing m/c or washing m/c used in garment processing. 

 

Versatile Antimicrobial Chemical based on silver ion is highly reactive and also shows versatility in application methods. It can be applied by any method using any equipment like stenter m/c, dyeing m/c, washing m/c, sprayer or even by dip dry method using buckets and line dry under shade.