TextileGlossary.com

What is "Anti-microbial" - Definition & Explanation
Last Updated on: 27-Jan-2024 (6 months ago)
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Anti-microbial
Antimicrobial textiles refer to fabrics that are designed to inhibit or kill microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful pathogens. These textiles are treated with chemicals that are capable of disrupting the growth and survival of microorganisms. Antimicrobial textiles are becoming increasingly popular in various industries, including healthcare, sports, and fashion, due to their ability to prevent the spread of disease and promote hygiene.

Antimicrobial agents can be added to textiles at different stages of production, including during fiber formation, yarn spinning, weaving or knitting, and finishing. Some common antimicrobial agents used in textile manufacturing include silver nanoparticles, copper, zinc, triclosan, and quaternary ammonium compounds. These agents work by releasing ions that can damage the cell membrane of microorganisms or inhibit their metabolic activity, leading to their death.

Antimicrobial textiles have a wide range of applications. In the healthcare industry, they are used in hospital gowns, beddings, and other medical textiles to reduce the risk of infections and promote hygiene. In the sports industry, antimicrobial textiles are used in sportswear and athletic gear to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant odors. In the fashion industry, antimicrobial textiles are used in clothing, footwear, and accessories to improve hygiene and reduce the risk of diseases.

One of the main benefits of antimicrobial textiles is their ability to reduce the spread of infections. In healthcare settings, these textiles can reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections, which can be life-threatening for patients with weakened immune systems. In the sports industry, antimicrobial textiles can prevent the growth of bacteria that cause athlete's foot, ringworm, and other fungal infections. In the fashion industry, antimicrobial textiles can reduce the spread of diseases that are transmitted through clothing, such as staph infections, influenza, and tuberculosis.

Antimicrobial textiles also have other benefits. For example, they can reduce the need for frequent washing, which can save water, energy, and time. They can also prolong the lifespan of textiles by preventing the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage fabrics over time. In addition, antimicrobial textiles can reduce unpleasant odors, which is particularly important in sportswear and athletic gear.

There are several manufacturers of antimicrobial textiles, including Milliken & Company, PurThread Technologies, and Trevira GmbH. Milliken & Company offers a range of antimicrobial textiles, including its BioSmart? technology, which is a patented blend of quaternary ammonium compounds and a binder that can be added to cotton or polyester fabrics to make them antimicrobial. PurThread Technologies offers antimicrobial textiles made from recycled polyester fibers that are treated with a silver-based antimicrobial agent. Trevira GmbH offers a range of antimicrobial textiles for use in the healthcare industry, including Trevira Bioactive?.

In conclusion, antimicrobial textiles are fabrics that have been treated with chemicals that can inhibit or kill microorganisms. They have a wide range of applications in various industries, including healthcare, sports, and fashion, and offer several benefits, including reducing the spread of infections, reducing the need for frequent washing, prolonging the lifespan of textiles, and reducing unpleasant odors. There are several manufacturers of antimicrobial textiles, including Milliken & Company, PurThread Technologies, and Trevira GmbH.
Anti-microbial
A chemical that prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, mildew, etc. Also the related property of foam or fabric.

Some more terms:

Bias Belted Tyres

Tyres reinforced by layers of tyre cord fabric arranged alternately so that the main load bearing yarns lie at an angle of less than 90? to the plane in which the tyre rotates and yarns of adjacent...

Read about Bias Belted Tyres

Coating: Enhancing Textile Functionality and Versatility

A finishing process in which a substance - like rubber, resin or synthetic compounds - covers the fabric on one or both sides. Polyurethane is a common coating for outerwear. Coating typically aids...

Read about Coating

Textured

Referring to the arrangement or character of the yarns on the surface of the fabric. Often used to describe fabrics with surface interest the result of using novelty yarns or novelty weaves such as...

Read about Textured

Luxurious Nap Fabrics: The Art of Textile Texture

Shaded or directional design that requires all parts of the garment to be cut in the same direction. May result from the print or weave of the fabric or the way the fabric is made. Velvet, corduroy,...

Read about Nap

Frame

Basic internal structure or skeleton of an upholstered piece. Kiln-dried hardwood is best for durability in wooden frames, but often engineered wood products are used. Metals are also used in marine...

Read about Frame

Moir? Finish (watered effect)

A wavy, rippled or watered appearance on a woven rib fabric and that is produced by the action of heat and heavy pressure from rollers. NOTE: The appearance is caused by differences in the reflection...

Read about Moir? Finish (watered effect)

Indigo

A dye with a distinctive blue color. The chemical compound that constitutes the indigo dye is called indigotin. Historically, indigo played an important role in many countries' economies because...

Read about Indigo

Attached cushion

Attached cushions are a type of cushion used in furniture upholstery that are designed to be permanently attached to the furniture piece. These cushions are commonly found in chairs, sofas, and...

Read about Attached cushion

Add a definition

Add a definition for a textile term that you know about! Send us an email & tell us:
  • The term you want to define
  • Its definition in 500 words or less
  • Attach an image if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

Companies for Anti-microbial:

If you manufacture, distribute or otherwise deal in Anti-microbial, please fill your company details below so that we can list your company for FREE! Send us the following details:
  • Company name
  • Company address
  • Attach a logo, if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

Did you know this fact? Fashion designer Zac Posen interned for Nicole Miller at the age of 16.
(s) 2024 TextileGlossary.com Some rights reserved. • Sitemap