A Comparison of Antimicrobials for the Textile Industry

Abstract

Antimicrobials are used on textiles to control bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, and algae and the problems of deterioration, staining, odors, and health concerns that they cause. In the broad array of microorganisms there are both good and bad types. Control strategies of the bad organisms must include consideration of being sure that non-target organisms are not affected or that adaptation of microorganisms is not encouraged. Microorganisms cause problems with textile raw materials and processing chemicals, wet processes in the mills, roll or bulk goods in storage, finished goods in storage and transport, and goods as they are used by the consumer. This can be extremely critical to a clean room operator, a medical facility, or a food processing facility, or it can be an annoyance and esthetic problem to the athlete or normal consumers. The economic impact of microbial contamination is significant and the consumer interests and demands for protection is at an all time high. The term antimicrobial refers to a broad range of technologies that can provide varying degrees of protection for textile products against microorganisms. Antimicrobials are very different in their chemical nature, mode of action, impact on people and the environment, in-plant-handling characteristics, durability on various substrates, costs, and how they interact with good and bad microorganisms. This paper covers the full range of positive effects that antimicrobials bring to the textile industry and provides for a full discussion of the types and properties of antimicrobials.