APPROACHES TO CONTROLLING MICRO-ORGANISMS IN COTTON AND COTTON/ELASTANE CLOTHINGS

Abstract

Antimicrobials are substances or mixtures of substances used to destroy or suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi on inanimate objects and surfaces. In this study, an alternative method is presented using triclosan agents that can kill bacteria and viruses to help keep patient, operating, and emergency rooms free of germs. Samples were treated with triclosan to achieve antimicrobial/antiviral/antifungal properties for further designs to help comfort and bacteria, virus, fungi (BVF) resistantance during use. The physical, and mechanical properties of triclosan treated cotton and cotton/elastane fabrics in comparison with untreated control samples was investigated. The results showed that a small significant decrease was observed for tensile strength (strip and grab methods), tear strength and seam strength. Besides, statistically a small significant decrease was observed with the increase in triclosan concentration for all samples. The panama weaves showed the lowest tensile strength and the highest tear strength and statistically small significant decrease was observed for all treated samples. The antimicrobial tests showed that all treated samples have a very good antimicrobial activity which can also lead to antivirus protection by providing hygienic environment for the users during future designs.