Definition:
Textile materials can be a carrier of microorganisms such as pathogenic bacteria, odour generating bacteria and mould fungi. It can be a good meadia for the growth of microorganisms. Antimicrobial finish is given on textile materials to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Objectives:
- To avoid cross-infection by pathogenic microorganisms.
- To control the infestation by microbes.
- To arrest metabolism in microbes in order to reduce the formation odor.
- To safeguard the textile products from staining, discoloration and quality deterioration.
Requirements of antimicrobial finish
- Durability to washing, dry-cleaning and hot pressing.
- Selective activity to undesirable micro organisms.
- Should not produce harmful effects to the manufacturer, user and the environment.
- Should comply with the statutory requirements of regulating agencies.
- Compatibility with the chemical processes.
- An easy method of application. No deterioration of fabric quality.
- Resistant to body fluids; and resistant to disinfection/sterilization.
