Antimicrobial fabrics from synthetic fibers with high washing resistance

27 Aug '08

3 min read

After years of development work SANITIZED AG now presents two entirely new products with pending patents, which enable a high wash-resistant antimicrobial treatment on textiles made of synthetic fibers.

The new products offer the greatest hygiene protection benefits in textiles with constant direct skin contact (apparel, home textiles and bedding) – up to 100 wash cycles and completely without silver.

Until now a high washing resistance for antimicrobial treated synthetic fibers was only possible through the use of silver-based products. SANITIZED, with over 50 years of pioneer work in the area of antimicrobial treatments, now presents two new products, which make washresistant application on synthetic fibers possible and offer complete protection without the use of silver.

The foundation of the new wash-resistant treatment for synthetic fibers is the EPA registered, Oeko-Tex, UK Allergy and bluesign approved product, Sanitized T 99-19. This silicon quaternary ammonium compound has already protected celluloid containing textiles for a long time against micro-organisms like bacteria, dust mites and even MRSA. The two new additives enable a durable fixation of the established product Sanitized T 99-19 on synthetic fibers.

Sanitized X-Linker PAD 26-19 works as bonding partner in padding applications. The Sanitized Primer EX 27-29 was developed for exhaust applications.

Padding application
In an application bath of Sanitized T 99-19 and the new Sanitized X-Linker PAD 26-19, a retentive solution polyvalent salts, micro-molecules are formed. These cover the fibers and enable a bond on the polyester. After only 30 minutes the bath is ready for the finish and can be applied together with further effects on the clean and neutral material.

Exhaust application
In this process the reactive partner Sanitized Primer EX 27-29 is applied on the fiber. Extensive testing has proven that the natural amino-acid L-Phenylalanin is the best choice.

Sanitized Primer EX 27-29 reacts in combination with Sanitized T99-19 which can both be given into the same bath. The bath is drained and carefully rinsed. After the drying process the durable antimicrobial protection is established.

Both products have successfully passed thorough practical testing on dyed and undyed material, on mix-fibers with spandex as well as on micro-fibers. With correct pre-treatments and application procedures a washing resistance of 50 cycles and more could be attained (ISO EN 6330:200 6A/2A at 40°C resp. 60°C).

Some textiles still showed a good antimicrobial effect even after 100 wash cycles at 60°C. Further test results document that thermo-migration is improved with Sanitized Primer EX 27-29 and not effected by Sanitized X-Linker PAD 26-19. Additionally, a good compatibility with other textile effects is given.

The new Sanitized additives are recommended for use in textiles with close skin contact for example in hospital textiles, working clothes, home and sport textiles and mattresses. Especially in these areas long-lasting, dependable antimicrobial protection is important and can be ensured with Sanitized products even after intensive washing.

SANITIZED AG

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