New hygiene protection for wool

Published On: December 10, 2014

Scientists develop wash-resistant antimicrobial treatment for protein fibers.

Scientists at the Hohenstein Institute in Bonnigheim, Germany, and the Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials (DWI) in Aachen, Germany, have developed an antimicrobial treatment for wool and textiles containing wool, as part of an IGF research project.

Many available antimicrobial treatment substances are effective on textiles such as cotton, polyester and polyamide, but not on wool and mixed fibers containing wool. Researchers found that the interaction of an anionic polyelectrolyte SA with TSA silane-quat components led to the formation of colloidal structures that can create a strong antimicrobial effect, even lasting after 25 wash cycles.

This discovery means products based on animal protein fibers can be protected against
fungi, algae and bacteria, and woolen textiles frequently exposed to moisture can be protected from material damage such as mold or rotting. The specific formulations used in the treatment are licensed under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation and can be used as a combined treatment by textile finishing companies.

Source: Hohenstein Institute