FUNCTIONAL YARN PRODUCTION CONTAINING NATURAL MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL TEXTILES

In recent years, researchers have focused on the development of hygienic new products with less negative impact on the environment. For this reason, the use of natural/environmentally friendly materials is becoming more widespread and studies on these materials are increasing day by day. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of textile materials loaded with natural materials such as quince seed gel (QSG) and thyme oil, with a view to their use in medical textiles. This study focused on the application of QSG and thyme oil to spun yarns from staple fibers due to the its advantages such as possibility to be used in yarn/fabric form, porous structure, permeability, flexibility etc. In the study, QSG and thyme oil dispersions were prepared and applied to 100% acrylic fibres during ring spinning production via an alternative application method. Various properties of the produced yarns were analysed. SEM images indicated that fibre surface was covered with QSG and tyhme oil. Unlike QSG, the yarns loaded with thyme oil exhibited antibacterial activity property. The yarns produced were found to have tensile properties suitable for textile processing, although there was some reduction in strength and elongation at break. Based on the obtained results, it is believed that yarns containing natural materials may offer an alternative or complementary approach to treatment.