Kevlar - the first ever germ resistant protective fabric

22 Jul '08

1 min read

Now, bacteria, viruses, and the spores that cause anthrax, may not be a cause of worry for firemen and emergency workers who may soon get germ-fighting protective clothing that can protect them from a range of these infectious agents.

This awe-inspiring Kevlar fabric with unique germ-fighting qualities is still being developed by researchers in South Dakota.

Scientists have pointed out that this Kevlar fabric can be used widely not only as fire-resistant materials for firefighters, police and emergency medical workers but also as protective clothing that provide multiple protection against harmful microorganisms.

Samples of Kevlar were coated with acyclic N-Halamine, an effective germ-fighting substance, through a special process.

Thereafter, both coated and uncoated samples were tested by exposing them to E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida tropicalis (a fungus), MS2 virus, and Bacillus subtilis spores (to mimic anthrax).

After some time it was observed that while large amounts of microorganisms got stuck to untreated fabric samples, the coated fabric showed resistance to all of these infectious agents. It was also found that the coating was long-lasting, could be reactivated and does not cause any loss to fabric comfort or strength.

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