Antibacterial and Deodorizing Fibers and Textiles

Abstract: This article mainly introduces the importance and production methods of antibacterial and deodorizing fabrics and textiles, the classification of different antibacterial and deodorizing textiles, as well as testing methods and standards.

1. Overview

Microbes play a role in maintaining the natural balance of ecosystems with their small size and uncomplicated structures as defining traits. They are generally classified into three groups based on their features. Noncellular microorganisms with prokaryotic characteristics and those with eukaryotic traits. Most microorganisms are harmless or even beneficial to humans; however, a handful of them can pose health risks, to humans and other living beings. These harmful microorganisms that can cause diseases are known as pathogens.

Important species of microorganisms

• Bacteria

Bacteria are the most widely distributed and diverse type of microorganisms, mainly classified into cocci, bacilli, and spirochetes based on their morphology. Bacteria are widely present in nature, some of which are closely related to human health. For example, Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin infections and other health problems, while lactic acid bacteria are an important component of probiotics that can regulate gut microbiota.

• Fungi

Two main groups of fungi are yeast and mold which have roles in various industries like food production where yeast is used for fermentation and in the making of wine while fungi aid in breaking down organic materials and also contribute to antibiotic manufacturing processes. Despite their roles in certain industries and ecological systems, some types of fungi like white fungus can lead to illnesses such, as athletes’ foot affecting human health negatively.

• Viruses and other microorganisms

Non cellular microorganisms like viruses depend on host cells for survival. Can cause severe illnesses like influenza and COVID-19. In addition, to viruses protozoa and cyanobacteria also play roles in ecosystems and are utilized in various industrial applications.

The necessity of antibacterial and deodorizing textiles

Textiles play a role in our everyday lives as they directly touch our skin; thus maintaining their cleanliness is essential, for hygiene reasons and overall well-being.

• The impact of microorganisms on natural fibers

Natural materials like cotton and wool tend to attract microorganisms because of their ability to absorb moisture easily known as hygroscopicity. In areas with humidity levels, microorganisms like Aspergillus niger and Penicillium can quickly multiply on cotton fibers causing mold growth that shows as yellow discoloration on the surface of the fibers, an unpleasant smell, and a decrease in strength.

• Special issues with synthetic fibers

Even though synthetic fibers lack elements in their composition the oils and additives applied during manufacturing could offer the nutrients essential for bacteria to thrive. For instance, lipid compounds clinging to polyester fibers can support the growth of Escherichia coli resulting in discoloration of the fabric and degrading its performance over time.

• Formation and harm of odors

Humans naturally produce secretions. Sweat that serves as nutrients for microorganisms in the body. When these microorganisms break down the sweat components they release substances, like unsaturated fatty acids and ammonia which can lead to unpleasant odors. This cannot only make wearing clothes uncomfortable but also potentially irritate the skin.

In essence, creating fabrics that have deodorizing properties proves to be a valuable solution to the issues mentioned above. This development plays a role, in enhancing user satisfaction and promoting public well-being.

The Development of Antibacterial and Odorous Textiles

The origins of antimicrobial fabrics date to ancient times in Egypt around 4000 years ago when people utilized herbs and minerals to preserve and enhance the longevity of textiles. In the century advancements in chemical technology led to the refinement of antibacterial finishing techniques. Throughout World War II antimicrobial technology played a role, in treating military uniforms to maintain soldiers’ hygiene in challenging conditions.

• Post-organizing techniques

Initially antibacterial and odor control, in fabrics relied heavily on fabric treatments like spraying or applying substances on the fabric surface. While this method is straightforward its antibacterial efficacy tends to diminish over time. Notably decreases after repeated washing.

• Development of antibacterial fibers

In the 1990s researchers started looking into integrating elements directly into fiber arrangements to create fibers that have lasting antibacterial features. This approach greatly enhances the strength and safety of fabrics.

• Future Trends

The rise in awareness of conservation has sparked interest in exploring natural antibacterial materials like chitosan and plant extracts, for creating eco-friendly antibacterial fabrics. Moving forward antibacterial and odor-resistant textiles are expected to evolve towards more versatile options to cater to the increasing market needs.

2. Antibacterial finishing agent and antibacterial mechanism

Antibacterial agents play a role in giving textiles antibacterial properties and the specific types and characteristics of these agents have a direct impact, on how effective the antibacterial features of the textiles are enhanced through proper selection and application of these agents can greatly enhance the hygiene and durability of textiles.

Factors to Consider in Evaluating and Selecting Antimicrobial Agents

Choosing antibacterial medications involves carefully taking into account various factors, such as;

• Antibacterial effect: Antibacterial agents should have good broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and significant inhibitory effects on common pathogenic bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and fungi.
• Durability:The antibacterial performance needs to be stable under conditions of light, humidity, and repeated washing.
• Safety: Antibacterial agents must be non-toxic to the human body, non irritating to the skin, and meet environmental protection requirements.
• Compatibility:Antibacterial agents need to be compatible with textile substrates and not have adverse effects on the physical properties of fibers.
• Economy:Production cost is an important limiting factor for large-scale applications, requiring a balance between performance and price.

Classification of antibacterial finishing agents

Different types of finishing agents are categorized primarily as inorganic compounds organic substances or natural products depending on their chemical composition and origins each having distinct benefits and specific uses.

• Inorganic antibacterial agents

Metal ions like ions in inorganic antibacterial agents attach to the walls of microbial cells and alter their structure to prevent bacterial growth effectively across various strains with lasting effects. Some materials such as nanosilver are widely recognized for their effectiveness and safety, in fabric applications despite their price point compared to other options available today.

• Organic antibacterial agents

Some natural substances with properties are quaternary ammonium salts and guanidine compounds among others like phenols. These substances work by either entering cell membranes or stopping enzyme function to kill bacteria effectively. For instance, quaternary ammonium compounds can destroy bacteria by attaching to their cell walls and changing how the membrane functions. In comparison, to antibacterial agents organic ones are simpler to customize but may not last as long.

• Natural product antibacterial agents

Plant extracts like tea tree oil and mugwort and animal-derived substances like chitosan and lysozyme are antibacterial agents that possess potent antibacterial qualities and are environmentally friendly due to their biodegradability—a promising aspect for the future of textile production that focuses on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Chitosans’ ability to interact with cell membranes through its positive charge results in the disruption of their structure—an attribute that has led to its widespread application, in medical textiles.

The antibacterial mechanism of antibacterial finishing agents

Antimicrobial finishing agents work to prevent or eliminate microorganisms using methods of action.

Physical effect: Modifying the structure of the fabric surface like creating a nanofilm can help stop microbes from sticking to it.

Chemical action: Chemical action involves killing microorganisms by releasing active substances, like metal ions or free radicals.

Biological action: Using the response of antibacterial substances and microorganisms like interfering with enzyme systems to stop their multiplication and development.

3. Production of Antibacterial Fibers

In years there have been ongoing enhancements and advancements in the manufacturing process of antibacterial fibers through the incorporation of antibacterial elements, within the fibers themselves to prolong the antibacterial effectiveness and lifespan of textiles while also enhancing their eco-friendliness and practicality.

Production of chitin and chitosan fibers

Chitin and chitosan are compounds derived from shrimp and crab shells that are known for their strong antibacterial qualities and compatibility, with living organisms.

Production process

The creation of chitin and chitosan fibers involves using spinning technology. The fundamental process consists of the following steps;

1. Dissolve chitin or chitosan to preparea spinning solution;
2. Squeeze out the spinning solution through the spinneret and form primary fibers in the coagulation bath;
3. Stretch, wash, dry,and other treatments are carried out on the newborn fibers to obtain antibacterial fibers.

Application examples

Chitin fibers have applications in the medical field, like wound dressings and surgical sutures, and are also utilized in functional clothing designed for antibacterial properties and breathability.

Production of blended antibacterial fibers

Blended anti-bacterial fibers are created by combining bacterial agents with matrix polymers through a spinning process, which helps maintain a balance between anti-bacterial effectiveness and mechanical strength making it a crucial technique, for producing functional fibers.

Process characteristics

1. Mix nano silver particles, which are antibacterial agents thoroughly with polymer masterbatch.
2. Prepare fibers by utilizing either melt spinning or wet spinning methods.
3. Ensure the stability and effectiveness of agents by managing their distribution carefully.

Advantages

Blended fabrics exhibit strength and longevity while retaining antibacterial properties effectively even after multiple washes, in high-frequency washing scenarios, and enable efficient large-scale manufacturing processes.

4. Production of Antibacterial Textiles

The creation of fabrics includes using different technological techniques to give textile materials effective antibacterial qualities through specific processing and treatment methods that may differ based on product features and usage scenarios.

Methods for antibacterial finishing of fabrics

The addition of properties to fabrics typically happens after the initial processing stage through methods, like impregnation or coating.

• Immersion method

The immersion technique involves soaking the material in a solution for antibacterial finishing to coat the fiber surface with the antibacterial agent before proceeding with drying and curing treatments—a straightforward process applicable, to a variety of fabric types.

• Coating method

The process involves blending substances, with coating materials and uniformly applying them onto fabric surfaces to create a protective layer that resists bacteria growth effectively and lasts long; however‚ it might slightly affect the fabrics texture and breathability.

• Rolling dyeing method

The process of pad dyeing involves the application of substances onto fabric surfaces in a continuous manner that is well suited for mass production in industries. It proves to be efficient in enhancing production rates and finds extensive applications in treating home textile items, such as bedsheets and drapes for antibacterial purposes.

Examples of antibacterial finishing of fabrics

For instance, with an antibacterial finishing agent called DC 570,0, it securely attaches active antibacterial components to fabric surfaces via chemical reactions and exhibits strong resistance, to washing while providing wide-ranging antibacterial benefits.  Also, studies indicate that the antibacterial efficacy of BEGOODTEX permanent flame-retardant fabricremains above 90% after undergoing 50 wash cycles.

5. Production of Odorous Textiles

Textile deodorizers work to eliminate odors from fabrics through processes like treatment methods and absorption or decomposition of odor particles present in the material itself. As the desire for a quality of life continues to rise among consumers globally there is a corresponding increase in the market, for textiles designed to combat unpleasant odors.

Deodorizing mechanism of deodorizers

Deodorants transform molecules like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide into substances with little to no scent using chemical adsorption or catalytic reactions. Activated carbon is an example of a material that can absorb molecules due, to its porous nature; metal oxide catalysts break down odor molecules through redox reactions.

Manufacturing of odor-reducing fibers

Deodorizing fiber is a type of fiber produced by incorporating deodorizing components, like activated carbon powder and metal oxide particles into the manufacturing process of the fiber itself. This unique fiber not only traps unpleasant odors but also showcases impressive durability and eco-friendly features.

Process flow:

1. Creating a polymer masterbatch with added deodorizer is the step, in the process.
2. Utilizing melt spinning technology to convert masterbatch into fibers.
3. Enhance the characteristics of fibers by refining their surface properties after production.

Fabric odor elimination finishing method

Fabric deodorization is primarily done using techniques like coating the fabric, with agents or immersing and spraying them with deodorizers to enhance odor control in everyday textiles like sportswear and home linens.

Evaluation of Odor Elimination Effect

Assessing the effectiveness of deodorization typically involves monitoring the alterations, in organic compounds (VOC) concentrations and conducting sensory assessments to gauge fabric odor intensity changes effectively.

6. Testing methods and standards for antibacterial performance of textiles

BEGOODTEX uses advanced testing technology. Testing the effectiveness of fabrics is crucial for evaluating their practical impact and typically involves qualitative and quantitative analyses, as common approaches.

Classification of testing methods

1. Qualitative analysis:

Assess the effectiveness of properties by measuring the size of the zone where bacterial growth is inhibited using the agar diffusion technique.

2. Quantitative analysis:

Method for counting colonies; Estimate the effectiveness by monitoring variations in the quantity of microorganisms present, in the sample.

Selection of test strains

In line, with the guidelines and real-world usage situations, the bacterial strains commonly utilized for testing purposes are as follows;

• Bacteria:Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
• Fungi:Candida albicans.

Evaluation method for antibacterial performance

Assessing how well an antibacterial product works typically involves looking at factors, like its antibacterial rate and the size of the inhibition zone it creates on surfaces it is applied to over time. Furthermore testing how easily fabrics retain their properties after washing is a crucial aspect used to determine the lasting impact of the antibacterial treatment.

International standards:

Currently in the textile industry testing the effectiveness of fabrics relies heavily on several established international standards.

• ISO 20743:Used to assess the properties of textiles.
• AATCC 100:Assessing Antibacterial Properties of Treated Textiles.

These guidelines offer industry-established testing methods to guarantee the consistency and dependability of product performance.

7. Exploring BEGOODTEX Antibacterial Flame-retardant Fabrics

BEGOODTEX offers high-performance antibacterial flame-retardant fabrics. Our innovative textile solutions are designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, ensuring a high level of hygiene and health safety. The antibacterial and mold-proof fabric provided by BEGOODTEX is reported to maintain a suppression rate of over 90% even after 50 washes, which is a testament to the durability and effectiveness of the treatment applied to the fabric.