GB2524849A

GB2524849A - Antibacterial fibre fabric with wicking properties

Info

Publication number: GB2524849A
Application number: GB1408827.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gidon Fisher
Original assignee: PRIDEWOOD INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: PRIDEWOOD INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-03
Filing date: 2014-05-19
Publication date: 2015-10-07
Also published as: CN104975364A; CN104975364B; GB201408827D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a type of fibre fabric comprising copper, wherein the copper has been embedded into the fibre of the fabric during a spinning process. Preferably the copper is copper powder and/or is electrolytic copper, and the fibre is selected from at least one of nylon, polyester or spandex. Copper incorporated into the yarn during the spinning process means it remains within the fabric after multiple washes, giving the fabric good antibacterial and deodorant properties.

Description

Specification

A Type of Fiber Fabric

Field of Technology

The invention relates to a type of fabric, in particularly, it relates to a type of functional Antibacterial and Wicking fiber thbric.

Technology Background.

Copper has excellent antibacterial/ antifiungal properties. In recent year. it is widely using for making copper gannent, bedding product and others textile product. The idea was reducing and getting conirol the skin infection possibility from the bacterial which brings health to the *:" people. However, the existing copper clothing product was coating the copper after finished * * * the knitting flhbric. The copper will be easily washed away after several washes. In general, : ** the antibacterial ilmction will reduce and lose effectiveness after 10 washe& Some company *** tried to use the chemical process such as electroplate or dying to mix the copper into the Yarn. But the costs are expensive and the residual chemistry may infect the people's health. **. * . **** ** .* * . *

* The literature I ( CN101701370A) disclosed a method which added and synthesised nanometer level copper oxide into the polyester fiber during the final polycondensation stage.

The need to change the fiber polymerization reflect step by using a variety of raw materials, and the process is more complex, difficult to operate.

The literature 2( CN 1026772 1513)disclosed a method which by added a type of antibacterial master batch into the raw material, and soak the material in cuprous chloride solution. After finishing the preparation process, the raw material will be spin to fiber and knit to antibacterial fabric. The methods also need to use a lot of chemical reaction, but also separately preparing antibacterial master batch which the process is very complex. /

hi the above literature, both all them am using complex chemistry technology to add copper into the fiber which the costs is very high. And moreover, the mentioned fiber was able to perform the antibacterial function based on the results of literature. But the copper will be washed away and lost the antibacterial effect after several times washes. The both of literature 1 and 2 did not find the solution about the problems. On the other hands, the normal knitted filamentary libric will not perform wicking function as cotton fabric. The garment is not breathable and comfortable at all.

Invention Detail The aim of invention is to overcome the antibacterial fiber preparation technology about the *:" problems of complex methods and easy to decrease antibacterial effect. The invention is * about the permanent antibacterial fabric. * .*

: * Mother object of the invention is to provide a fantastic wicking properties fabric. The invention is realized through the following technical scheme. The invention is about the fabric which at leastapart of them is containing the copper. The copper was embedded into * thefiberAtwillneverwashoff.

The embedded copper is natural antibacterial, inhibition of fungi growth and sterilization function. The copper is preferably copper powder and particle size in the range of 5-5Onm.

Copper powder in nanometer level can combine with fiber more closely and never be washed. The copper was evenly embedded into the fiber which improved the antibacterial effect.

Furthermore, the copper is preferably electrolytic copper. By comparing the electrolytic copper with the general copper collection process, the copper content is high purity which helps to improve the bactericidal effect. On the other hand, the copper content is over z 700ppm in the invention of woven copper fabric. About the woven copper fabric, the closely combination of the copper and fiber is enough to kill the bacterial under the 700ppm copper level.

The copper content of knitting copper fhbric is about 1500 -2000ppm. The copper content of knitting copper fabric is much higher than the woven copper lhbric. The loose knitted fabric has more gaps which is difficult to sterilize. Increasing copper content is contributed to the overall bactericidal effect.

The fiber of the invention fabric was selected from at least one of the Nylon, Polyester or Spandex. These are nonnal raw material which is easy to purchase and suitable for making fabric. The fiber of the invention fabric was also using the IX shape cross section fiber. The I...

fiber accounts for more than 5% of the total weight of the fiber fabric. The "X" shape : * filament yams woven in a special way that creates absorbencies equivalent to natural fibers while channeling moisture away from the body. This unbeatable combination means that clothing not only dries more quickly, but retains its ability to do so throughout the life of the * 4 garment.

In addition, the resistance of copper fiber is no more than 1(F7}cm at the 20°C and 65% relative humidity. The fiber has weak conductivity which can be made gloves for touch screen operation of electronic products. According to another aspect of the invention, it also discloses a preparation method of fabric, including the procedure of embedded copper into the fiber and wove as copper fabric.

The preparation methods are including mixture of copper powder and molten fiber or polymer master batch. The method does not have any special requirement. As long as the required copper volume can be evenly embedded with fiber. The particle size of mentioned copper powder is between 5-5Onm which is preferably electrolytic copper. 3.

As an optimization scheme, the copper content of mentioned woven fabric is over 700ppni, the copper content of mentioned knitted fabric is over I 5OO2OO0ppni. The fiber of the invention fabric was selected from at least one of the Nylon, Polyester or Spandex. The fiber of the invention fabric was using the X shape cross section fiber. The fiber accounts for more than 5% of the total weight of the fiber thbric. The resistance of copper fiber is no more than I(71fl-cm at the 2013 and 65% relative humidity fl * * * ** * . * **** S... * . * S * * 4=

The advantage of the Invention: I. The cross-section of the fiber is modified as an "X" shape, maximizing the capillary phenomenon. Four water-directing channels quickly wick away sweat. The filament thus becomes hydrophilic, absorbing water täster and spreacfmg it over a larger area, thereby increasing contact with air. The "X" construction makes the single-fibre gap taller than fibres with a circular cross section. This creates a relatively large gap between the individual strands of yarn, so that is feels smoother than ordinary high-twist yarn and resists wrinkling and pilling. The multiple gaps in the fibre minimize contact with skin, adding to comfort and making the fiber lighter than regular nylon of the same thickness.

2. The copper was embedded into the fiber which the copper and fiber is closely combined together. It is permanent copper fabric which will improve the antibacterial effectiveness and odor fee. The copper will never wash off from the fabric.

3. Copper nylon/spandex is high elastic fiber. The fabric can be made for T-shirt, shorts, * compression sleeves etc which can provide support to the muscle and reduce the pain from injured joint. It will also improve blood circulation and speed up to cure the muscular strain.

4. The fiber has weak conductivity which can be made gloves for touch screen operation of * electronic products.

5. The copper is preferably electrolytic copper. By comparing the electrolytic copper with the general copper collection process, the copper content is high purity which helps to improve the bactericidal effect. More particular, the nano level copper power is easy to embed into the fiber and closely combined together. Therefore, the antibacterial effect is better and never washes away.

Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows the contrast electron microscopy of"X" shape cross section in accordance with the present invention and Figure 2 shows the electron microscopy about spinning the X shape fiber with the normal fiber.

The Specification Implementing Methods

The following examples and experimental data shows that the preferred embodiment of the invention and he implementation effect. Obviously, the aim of the section is explain the technical scheme of the invention which should not be understood as the scope of protection S..... * .

: ** The production process of copper fiber: S..

As an example of the Nylon 6x6 fiber, the polymer and electrolytic copper in 5-'5Onm were put into the spin machine together, heated until the masterbatch melting. (ordinary nylon 6 is *.

about 270 °C) The copper powder and masterbatch will be evenly mixed and squeezed out which the temperature must be set up at 210 °C. And then, the quantitative mixture will be pressed into the spinning department. The next step will go through the spinneret plate, winding, 3 times drawing at 120 °C, 30% elongation at brealç and cooling at the en& The X shape fiber can be ejected fit,m the special spinneret and weave into the fabric. The production process of polyester and spandex is similar as nylon.

Fabric I PFI3-T0608 GCOOL Copper Compression fabric

Fabric Description: Horizontal 52 per inch

I. 70D/72F S twist Nylon6x6+40D Spandex, Nylon and Spandex knitted by 1:1.

2. 7ODI4SF Z twist Nylon6x6+40D Spandex. Nylon and Spandex knitted by 1:1.

3. 20D17F Copper Nylon will be knitted under the above two knitted NylonlSpandex yarn.

4. Fabric Content: 80% Nylon6x6 8% Copper Nylon 12% Spandex 5. Fabric Weight: l7Ogsm 6. Fabric Width: 155cm * *.

* The copper content of above knitted fabric is over lSOOppm. the X shape fiber accounts for more than 5% of the total weight of the fiber fabric. And the X shape fiber was knitted with above spandex fiber.

* * Test results of above fabric are provided at below: After 40 washes, the submitted sample has been washed 40 times Wash pmcedure (AATCC 135-2012; Test No( I)ILA( ii) Machine wash at 105 degree F with 41b loading, normal cycle, tumble dry low) Fabric I Antimicrobial activity test after wash Test ConductS: Sample Description:Knitted fabric: 83% copper nylon 12% spandex in black After 40 washes, the submitted sample has been washed 40 times Washing procedure (AATCC 135-2012; TcstNo. (1) LIlA (ii) Machine wash at 105 degree F and 41b loading, normal cycle, tumble dry low) Antimicrobial aefivity test TEST METHOD(S) AATCC 100-2012 Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Material: Assessment of TEST ORGANISMS: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, KIebsiella pneumonia ATCC 4352 TEST RESULT(S) _____________________________ _________ Concentration The number of bacteria recovered from Test Organisms of bacteria at "OW contact time at "2411" contact %Reduction ___________ (cili/mi) _____ (cfij/mL) time (cfiulmL _________ ISxIO5 Sample 3.4x104 (100,99.7 Kiebsiella pneumoniaATCC l.9x105 Sample 3.4x104 ilOO 4352 _____________ _______ __________________ _______________ _____________ * Remark Number of test specimen: S pieces 1 circular /4.8cm in diameter with I mL inocuhun per trial.

The UV test for 88% copper nylon 12% spandex knitted fabric was tested by the * standard test methods ASINZS4399: 1996, 290-400nm. The test machine is Labsphere Transmittance Analyzer 1000. The IJV protection results are UPF 20+.

Horizontal Wicking of Textiles Test standard: AATCC 198-2011 Wicking distance (mm) : Length direction 85, Width direction 77 Wicking time (see) : 30O Horizontal Wicking Rate: 17A3mm2/% Wicking Test (AATCC 197-2011 Option A) 9 Test procedure: Clip the test specimen (size:25mm X 200mm) on the support rod and hang above the bottom of the glass beaker. Pour the distilled water into the beaker to a depth of 5mm.

Water pick up: at 20mm at 150mm Lengthwise (s) 12 1800 Widthwise (s) 13 1800 Fabric 2 PFJ4-T0608 (G!LK-374) (ICOOL Copper Woven Twill Fabric

Fabric Description:

I. Warp Direction: 40s' Combed Couon 2. Across Warp: Combined two 60s Polyester yarn+40D Spandex; Combined two 60s copper polyester-I-40D Spandex. Then combined Polyesterlspandex with Copper * : polyesterlSpandex.

: ** 3. Density: 135x75 *..* 4. Fabric Content: 52% Cotton 223% Polyester 22.5°/Copper Polyester 3% Spandex **** 5. FabricWeight: l5Sgsm 6. Fabric Width: 57158' The copper content of the fbbric is lOOppm.

I

Fabric 2 Antibacterial Tests Test Conducted: AntimicrobiaJ activity test TEST METHOD(S) AATCC 100-2012 Antibacterial Finishes on Textile material: Assessment of

TEST ORGANISMS

Kiebsiella pneumonia ATCC 4352, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 653* T -Concentration The number of bacteria recovered from of bacteria / at "OFF' contact time at "24K" contact %Reduction ______________ (cthlml) ______ (cfiu/znL) time (cfiu/mL ____________ Kiebsiella pnewnonia 1.8x105 Sample l.8x105 <100 >99.9 ATCC 4352 ___________ ______ ________________ _____________ ____________ Klebsiella pneumoniaATCC l.7x105 Sample l.7x105 (100 >99.9 4352 _____________ _______ __________________ _______________ _____________ Remark Number of test specimen: 8 pieces / circular / 4L8cm in diameter with lmL inoculums per trial.

*..: SAMPLE DESCRJP'flON: Blue cloth (before washing) 4 Rn'i.irement 4***44 *1 * 4 * * The test sample has been washed forty cycles *.:.* Washing procedure (AATCC 135-2012; Test No. (1) IIA(ii); Machine wash 85 degree F with 41b loading, normal cycle, tumble thy low) Sample Description: Woven &bric 52% cotton 45% copper polyester 3% spandex in blue 4**4 : : : Antimicrobial activity test TEST METHOD(S) AATCC 100-2012 Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Material: Assessment of TEST ORGANISMS: Kiebsiella pneumonia ATCC 4352, Staphylococcus aumus ATCC 6538 -Concentration The number of bacteria recovered from Test Organisms of bacteria at "Off' contact time at "2411" contact %Reduction __________ (cTh/ml) ____ (cfulrnL) time (cfu/mL _________ Klebsiella pneumonia l.7x103 Sample L2x104 dOO >99.9 ATCC 4352 __________ _____ ______________ ____________ __________ Kiebsiella pneumonia ATCC L9xl05 Sample 4.4x103 dOO >97.7 4352 ______________ ________ ___________________ ________________ ______________ Remark Numbcr of test specimen: 8 pieces / circular /4.8cm in diameter with I mL inoculums per tha.

SAMPLE DESCRIPTION: Blue cloth (after washing) /0

Fabric 3 PF14-002 (GILK-373) GCOOL Copper Ripstop Fabric

Fabric Description:

1. Warp Direction: 16s' Combed Cotton 2. Across Warp: 300D Polyestei* Four 60s Copper Polyester 3. Density: 102x66 4. Fabric Content: 60% Cotton 20% Polyester 20% Copper Polyester 5. Fabric Weight: 26Ogsm 6. Fabric Width: 57/5 8' Contrast 1 Fabric content: 87% Nylon 13% Lycra Fabric weight: 300gm/rn20 Fabric width: 60" The thbric was coating by copper chemisiry. (Cuprous chloride, 25°C saturated solution) *..... * S

After 30 Washes, Washing Procedure:AATCC 135-2004; Test No. (1)WA(i): Machinewash * *.* * S * *5** at 120 degree F with 41b loading, normal cycle, tumble thy sturdy at 150±10 degree F Test Methods: AATCC 100-2012 * S S...

Test result (Non copper lhbric): * * * * . Before Wask TEST BACrERIA: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC No. 6538 Counts At 9) Hr" Counts At "24Hz" Contact Time Contact Time _______ Reduction TEST ITEM (/met& ______ ___________ (CPU/Diameter 4.8 cm 4.8cm X4pieces) -X 4 pieces) NEGATIVE CONTROL 14X105 l.lXlt

SPECIMEN -

TEST SPECIMEN l.4x105 4.0x102 99.7 After Wash: /7 TEST BACTERIA: KiebsieHa pneumonia ATCC No. 4352 Counts At "!"" Counts At "24 fIr" Contact Time Contact Time TEST ITEM (CFIJ/Diameter 4.8 (CFU/Dianieter 4.8 cm Reduction cm.

X4DIeCCS X 4 Dieces NEGATIVE CONTROL I 5X105 4 7Xl07 SPECIMEN. . - TEST SPECIMEN 1.5x105 I.1x106 -NOTE: Reduetion(%) = (Counts At "OH?' Contact Time -Counts At 24hr" Contact Time)/Counts AT "01k" Contact Time x 100 *Washijig condition: AATCC 135-2004 Test No. (I)IVA(i); Machine wash at 120 degree F with 4 lb loading (Type 3 dummy + specimen), normal cycle, tumble thy sturdy at 150±10 degree F The test was subcontracted to other SGS Laboratory.

At the above contrast example, the fabric has lost antibacterial affect after 30 washes. 0**

*...fl * 4 The test shows that the invention has excellent antibacterial performance before and after washing. The antibacterial performance is the same after washing 40 times. It can maintain a long term antibacterial afThct. More particularly, the invention has UV protection about UPF 4*4 * 20+ without coaling any type of special DV protection chemical.

According to the above specimen, the technician in the field may change and modif' the implementation of the method. Therefore, the content is not mentioned the embodiment of the limitation of the invention. Based on the concept of the invention, any obviously replacement is within the scope of protection of the invention. I-.! j 2L.

Claims

THE CLAiM LA type of fiber flibric, the feature is: There is at least part of the fiber contains the copper.The mentioned copper was embedded right into the very fiber of the flibric during the spinning process.
2. According to the fiber fabric mentioned in the claims l,the feature is: the mentioned copper is copper powder, the grain size is about 5-5Onm.
3. According to the fiber thbric mentioned in the claims I or 2, the feature is: the mentioned copper is electrolytic copper.
4. According to the fiber fabric mentioned in the claims I or 2, the feature is: the copper content of mentioned fiber fabric is over 700ppm.
5. According to the fiber fabric mentioned in the claims 4, the feature is: the copper content of mentioned fiber fabric is between 1500-2000ppm.
6. According to the fiber fabric mentioned in the claims I or 2, the feature is: the fiber of : ** mentioned fiber fabric was selected from at least one of the Nylon, Polyester or Spandex.
7. According to the fiber fabric mentioned in the claims I or 2, the feature is: the fiber of mentioned fiber fabric was appeared as X shape cross section, the fiber accounts for more r *: than 5% of the total weight of the fiber flhbric.
8. According to the fiber fabric mentioned in the claims 1 or 2, the feature is: the resistance of mentioned fiber is no more than iOff cm at the 20t and 65% relative humidity.
9. A type fiber fabric of preparation methods, the feature is: Including copper powder embedded into the fiber fabric used the steps at least some of the fiber.
10. According to the preparation methods mentioned in the claims 9, the feature is: the preparation methods are including mixture of copper powder and molten fiber or polymer master batch.
11. According to the preparation methods mentioned in the claims 9 or 10, the feature is: the particle size of mentioned copper powder is between 5-SOnm. Ic)
12. According to the preparation methods mentioned in the claims 9 or 10, the feature is: the mentioned copper powder is elecirolytic copper.
13. According to the preparation methods mentioned in the claims 9 or 10, the feature is: the copper content of the mentioned fiber fabric is over 700ppm.
14. According to the preparation methods mentioned in the claim 13, the feature is: the copper content of the mentioned fiber fabric is between 1500 -2000ppm.
15. According to the preparation methods mentioned in the claims 9 or 10, the feature is: the mentioned fiber fabric was knitted from at least one of the Nylon, Polyester or Spandex.
16. According to the preparation methods mentioned in the claims 9 or 10, the feature is: the fiber of mentioned fiber fabric was appeared as X shape cross section, the fiber accounts for more than 5% of the total weight of the fiber fübric.*
17. According to the preparation methods mentioned in the claims 9 or 10, the feature is: the *.* resistance of mentioned fiber is no more than lO7flcm at the 20t and 65% relative humidity. * S. * . *fl. * . *1 ** * . S * .