Antimicrobial Finishing of Polyester
topic
Antimicrobial finishes for polyester: silver-based (Ag⁺ ions from zeolite carriers, nano-Ag particles — broad spectrum but regulatory concern), PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide, non-leaching, durable), triclosan (restricted — environmental persistence), quaternary ammonium silane (QAS, binds covalently to surface). Efficacy: ISO 20645 (agar diffusion), ISO 20743 (quantitative, log reduction ≥3 for bacteriostatic claim). Durability: 25–50 wash cycles minimum for medical textiles.
Role
Antimicrobial finishing is important for sportswear, medical textiles, and protective clothing. Its regulatory complexity (biocide registration, ecotoxicology) and mechanism diversity make it a rich academic topic spanning microbiology, chemistry, and toxicology.