2010-Synthesis and Application of Novel Reactive Antimicrobial Copolymers for Textile Fibers

Synthesis and Application of Novel Reactive Antimicrobial Copolymers for Textile Fibers

Vikram P. Dhende, University of Georgia


An antimicrobial agent is defined as a substance which kills or inhibits the growth of microbial cells. There are two general types of antimicrobial agents: one that kills the microbe is called a microbiocide and one that stops the growth of microbes called a microbiostat.
Antimicrobial agents play a vital role in areas such as health care, hospitals, food packaging and storage, water purification, dental care, and household sanitation. Finishing with antimicrobial agents protects the user of a textile material against microbes related to aesthetic, hygienic or medical problems and protects the
textile material itself against biodeterioration from mold, mildew and rot-producing fungi.
Today there is substantial market for antimicrobial textiles and is increasing rapidly due to consumer awareness and demand for hygienic clothing and active-wear. In 2000, worldwide production of antimicrobial textiles was 100,000 tons and 30,000 tons in Western Europe. Production increased more than 15% a year from 2001 to 2005 in Western Europe.