Durability of fluoropolymer and antibacterial finishes on woven surgical gown fabrics

Abstract

Commercially available polyester, polyester-cotton and cotton plain woven fabrics of 150 g/m2 weight and cotton woven fabric samples of 200 g/m2 weight with plain, twill and satin weave were studied for their suitability as surgical gowns. Water repellent and anti bacterial finishes were applied in single bath using pad-dry-cure method with four concentration levels of these finishes. Liquid barrier properties of samples were analyzed by water impact penetration and hydrostatic pressure test. Parallel streak method was used to measure the antibacterial activity on the fabric samples with Staphylococcus aureus. The fabric samples were also analyzed for air permeability and stiffness. Optimum concentration level of fluoropolymer and antibacterial finishes for achieving desired liquid barrier and antibacterial properties were determined for each fabric samples. Fabric samples were subjected to repeated laundering cycles to evaluate the durability of finishes. It was observed that polyester fabric samples and 200 g/m2 cotton twill woven fabrics show highest level of liquid barrier protection of Level 2 according to Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards, with 4% and 7% fluoropolymers. The fabrics maintain their barrier protection upto 20 laundering cycles, whereas 100% cotton fabric samples show minimal liquid barrier protection and do not provide Level 2 protection even at 4% and 7% fluoropolymer.