Recent Developments in Antimicrobial Finishing of Textiles-A Review.

Abstract

Growing awareness of health and hygiene has increased the demand for bioactive or antimicrobial textiles. The function of a bioactive finish on the fabric is twofold. It protects the wearer from microorganisms for aesthetic, hygiene, or medical reasons, and protects the textile from biodeterioration caused by mold, mildew, and fungi. Research is going on worldwide with the focus on new quality requirements that include maintaining the intrinsic functionality of the product through an ecofriendly production process. This paper reviews recent developments in antimicrobial textile finishing, and the mechanism of their action against microorganisms. The commercially available bioactive fibers and fabrics have also been included.