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Abstract The growth of microbes on textiles during use and storage negatively affects the wearer as well as the textile itself. The detrimental effects can be controlled by durable antimicrobial finishing of the textile using broad-spectrum biocides or by incorporating the biocide into synthetic fibers during extrusion. Consumers' attitude towards hygiene and active lifestyle has created a rapidly increasing market for antimicrobial textiles, which in turn has stimulated intensive research and development. This article reviews the requirements for antimicrobial finishing, qualitative and quantitative evaluations of antimicrobial efficacy, the application methods of antimicrobial agents and some of the most recent developments in antimicrobial treatments of textiles using various active agents such as silver, quaternary ammonium salts, polyhexamethylene biguanide, triclosan, chitosan, dyes and regenerable N-halamine compounds and peroxyacids. Examples of commercial antimicrobial products are presented to illustrate the active agents used and their finishing methods.
Key words textile, fiber, fabric, antimicrobial, antibacterial, biocide
Textiles have long been recognized as media to support the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms are found almost everywhere in the environment and can multiply quickly when basic requirements, such as moisture, nutrients and temperature are met. Most synthetic fibers, due to their high hydrophobicity, are more resistant to attacks by microorganisms than natural fibers [I]. Proteins in keratinous fibers and carbohydrates in cotton can act as nutrients and energy sources under certain conditions. Soil, dust, solutes from sweat and some textile finishes can also be nutrient sources for microorganisms [I].
The growth of microorganisms on textiles inflicts a range of unwanted effects not only on the textile itself but also on the wearer. These effects include the generation of unpleasant odor, stains and discoloration in the fabric, a reduction in fabric mechanical strength and an increased likelihood of contamination [I]. For these reasons, it is highly desirable that the growth of microbes on textiles be minimized during their use and storage.
Consumers' demand for hygienic clothing and activewear has created a substantial market for antimicrobial textile products. Estimations have shown that the production of antimicrobial textiles was in the magnitude of 30,000 tones in Western Europe and 100,000 tones worldwide in 2000 [2, 3]. Furthermore, it was estimated that the production increased by more than 15% a...