National Institute Of Fashion

Technology,
Gandhinagar

ANTIMICROBIALS
Submitted To
Ms. Ettishree
Rajput

Submitted
Nivedita
Kumari

WHAT ARE MICROORGANISMS?

Microbes are the tiniest creatures not seen
by the naked eye.
These include bacteria, fungi, algae and
viruses.
Bacteria grow very rapidly under warmth
and moisture.
They stain the fabric and deteriorate the
performance properties of the fabric.

SOURCES OF MICROBES
In the air we breathe
In the soil
In our skin and bodies

IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR

MICROBIAL GROWTH
Food
Warm temperature
Moisture(humidity, spills)
Receptive surface(skin, fabric)

ANTIMICROBIALS
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.

HOW ANTIMICROBIAL FINISHES

WORK?
Leaching
Most antimicrobial work by leaching or
moving from the surface on which they are
applied.
This
mechanism is used to poison a
microorganism.
Disadvantages of leaching
In garments these antimicrobials contact the
skin and potentially affect the normal skin
bacteria, cross the skin barrier and can cause
rashes and other skin irritations.

NECESSITY OF ANTIMICROBIAL
FINISHES
To control microorganisms
To reduce odour from perspiration, stains
and other soil on textile material
To reduce the risk of cross infection being
carried by feet from ward to ward in hospital

To control spread of disease and danger of

infection following injury
To control
the deterioration of textiles
particularly fabrics made from natural fibre
caused by mildew

REQUIREMENTS FOR
ANTIMICROBIAL FINISH

Durability to washing, dry cleaning and hot

pressing.
Selective activity to undesirable microorganisms.
Should not produce harmful effects to the
manufacturer, user and the environment .
Should comply with the statutory requirements of
regulating agencies.
Compatibility with the chemical processes.
Easy method of application.
No deterioration of fabric quality.
Resistant to body fluids to disinfections.

ANTIMICROBIAL FINISHING
METHODOLOGIES
Insolubilisation of the active substances
in/on the fibre
Treating the fibre with resin, condensates or
cross linking agents
Micro encapsulation of the antimicrobial
agents with the fibre matrix
Coating the fibre surface
Chemical
modification of the fibre by
covalent bond formation
Use of graft polymers, homo polymers
and/or co polymerization on to the fibre.

MECHANISM OF ANTIMICROBIAL
ACTIVITY

BENEFITS OF ANTIMICROBIAL
FINISHES

Protection of the raw material from decay or

degradation
Control of staining caused by microbial growth
Added freshness to the fabrics
Elimination of smells created by microorganisms
Increased life period of the fabric because of
control of the growth of microbes
Improvement in the handle for most of the fabrics
No irritation of the skin and no physiologic impact
to human health

ANTIMICROBIAL SUBSTANCES
AND THEIR EFFECT

One of the most durable type of antimicrobial

products is based on a diphenyl ether (bisphenyl) derivative known as either 2, 4, 4'trichloro-2' hydroxy dipenyl ether or 5-chloro-2(2, 4-dichlorophenoxyl) phenol.
The cell walls are penetrated with the chemicals,
which results in the leakage of metabolites and
blocking other cell functions, thereby preventing
the organism from functioning or reproducing.

DEVELOPMENT OF
ANTIMICROBIAL TEXTILES

Others; 7% Hosiery; 4%
Men's underwear; 2%

Socks; 21%

Lingerie; 19%
Shoes lining; 17%

Sportswear; 30%

For the future, theres a need to develop a

non-leaching antimicrobial treatment thatdoesn't pose the risk of crossing the skin
barrier
doesnt pose the risk of creating adaptative
resistant microorganisms.
can have its proper application tested for at
the mill or at the retailers.
has technical and marketing support.