Development of Antimicrobial and Antistatic Textile for Industrial Air Management Systems

Abstract

Textile air management systems are used in modern buildings to improve overall indoor air quality. During use and storage, industrial textiles are negatively affected by microbes. Adding biocide to synthetic fibres can control the detrimental effects of antimicrobial finishing on textiles. Antimicrobial textiles have seen a rapid increase in demand due to consumers' concern over hygiene and active lifestyles as well as with the aim to improve overall functionality. An antimicrobial treatment with a long lifespan, that is, resistant to washing, is presented in this paper. A new commercial antimicrobial product named Si Bac-Pure was used in woven polyester fabrics to treat them against bacteria. The antimicrobial activity was measured after twenty washing and drying cycles. Good antimicrobial and antifungal activity is produced in treated fabrics after treatment with the stated finishing agents. The antimicrobial treatment has significant antistatic properties that are important for industrial air management systems.