Antimicrobial Finish in Textiles

The consumers are now increasingly aware of the hygienic life style and there is a necessity andexpectation for a wide range of textile products finished with antimicrobial properties. In thedevelopment of fabrics, functional aspects such as anti-bacterial and UV protection are playing anincreased important role. To protect the mankind and to avoid cross contamination, a special finish likeantimicrobial finish has become necessary. As consumers have become more aware of hygiene andpotentially harmful effects of microbes, the demand for antimicrobial finished clothing is increasing.The population explosion and the environmental pollution in recent years have forced researchers tofind new health and hygiene related products for the wellbeing of mankind. The threats caused bymicrobes are numerous and the problem is aggravated even more in tropical and subtropical regions.Pathogenic microorganisms transfer infectious diseases and cause lung related disorders. Mould andfungi cause staining, discoloration and degradation of textile substrates, particularly those made ofnatural fibres (protein and cellulosic fibres). Nowadays, there is a good deal of demand for fabrics withantimicrobial finishes to protect human beings against microbes. The application of antimicrobialtextile finishes includes a wide range of textile products for medical, technical, industrial, homefurnishing and apparel sectors