DESC:The present disclosure provides antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers and a process for preparing the said antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers.

Background
Cellulosic fibers are known for their good wearability. Cellulosic fibers are excellent in terms of sweat absorption because of their higher hydrophilicity as compared to other type of manmade fibers. Thus, cellulose fibers are suitable for use in outdoor clothes, sports clothes, shirts and undergarments that are in direct contact with the skin.
However, cellulosic fibers provide environment for bacterial growth which produces unpleasant smell, such as smell of sweat, rotten food materials etc. As regards health-related professionals, protection from pathogens such as fungi or other similar microorganisms, that are responsible for lethal infections and allergic reactions, is a growing concern. Hence textiles with antibacterial properties are desirable. Conventional antibacterial textile products have the following inherent problems:
• limited antibacterial efficacy, and
• antibacterial efficacy is not maintained over the lifetime of the textile, particularly during repeated laundering process.
There is thus a need to develop antibacterial cellulosic fibers and their products having anti-bacterial property, odor-preventing properties or destroying properties as well as deodorizing properties. Such antibacterial cellulosic fibers should inhibit the inhabitation and proliferation of bacteria on fibers and be safe for human use while persistently maintaining antibacterial effects. Further, it is desirable that the antibacterial cellulosic fibers are made using approved chemicals (as per BPR or REACH).

Summary
An antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber is disclosed. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber comprises a quaternary ammonium compound in a concentration range of 0.05 – 1% w/w on the regenerated cellulosic fiber.
A process for preparing antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers is also disclosed. The process comprises spinning a cellulosic solution through spinneret into a regeneration bath to obtain regenerated cellulosic fibers; washing the regenerated cellulosic fibers; treating the regenerated cellulosic fibers with a solution of quaternary ammonium compound having a concentration range of 0.1-1.5 % w/w of regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain treated regenerated cellulosic fibers; and drying the treated regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers.

Detailed Description
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the disclosed composition, and such further applications of the principles of the invention therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” “an embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The present disclosure provides antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers and a process for preparation thereof. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers comprising a quaternary ammonium compound in a concentration range of 0.05–1% w/w on the regenerated cellulosic fiber.
In accordance with an embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of dodecyl dimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), C8—C18 alkyltrimethylammonium chlorides (such as trimethyloctylammonium chloride, decyltrimethylammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride), soyalkyltrimethylammonium chloride, dicocalkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl-benzyldimethylammonium chlorides (such as benzyldimethylstearylammonium chloride, benzylalkyldimethylammonium chloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)dimethylammonium chloride, Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethyldi(decyl)ammoniumchloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyloctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof. These quaternary ammonium compounds act as antibacterial agents.
The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers can be used to manufacture masks, scrubs, towels, doctor's coats, bath robes, pajamas, and uniforms for medical personnel; linens for use in hospitals; both sanitary and be perceived as sanitary; antibacterial finished socks required for foot ulcer prevention; antibacterial and antifungal finished socks and inner wear for military personnel; sportswear market comprising sport socks, gloves, sport bras, caps etc.; home textiles and furnishing; textiles; and antibacterial wipes etc.
The products obtained by utilization of the antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers have improved antibacterial properties; controlled odor and staining due to bacterial growth; antibacterial activity of more than 99% after at least 20 wash cycles. Such products are obtained by environment friendly technology, as chemicals used in the process can be recycled in the process. Further, minimal amount of chemical is sufficient for antibacterial property. Additionally, the antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers retain antibacterial activity during downstream processing.
In accordance with an embodiment the antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers can be an antibacterial viscose staple fiber, antibacterial modal fiber or antibacterial lyocell fiber.
In accordance with an embodiment the antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers can be used for making woven, non-woven fabrics, fiber blends and fiber composites.
The present disclosure also provides a process for preparing antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers, the process comprising spinning a cellulosic solution through spinneret into a regeneration bath to obtain regenerated cellulosic fibers; washing the regenerated cellulosic fibers; treating the regenerated cellulosic fibers with a solution of quaternary ammonium compound having a concentration range of 0.1-1.5 % w/w of regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain treated regenerated cellulosic fibers; and drying the treated regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers.
In addition, present process provides a mechanism to open pores or striations on the surface of fibers to increase the surface area and infuse more active ingredients. Thus, making the antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers resist the destructiveness of washing and maintain efficacy against pathogens such as: gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus, spores, and viruses, and not be washed away during repeated launderings and uses.
In accordance with an embodiment, the regenerated cellulosic fibers are prepared by viscose process. The viscose was prepared by treatment of pulp sheets (high alpha cellulose, viscose grade pulp) with caustic soda, shredding the resulting in alkali cellulose, xanthating the alkali cellulose and dissolving it in a caustic soda solution. The viscose was then aged and spun by extrusion through orifices into a spinning bath containing sulfuric acid, sodium sulfate and zinc sulfate. The spinning bath being maintained at a temperature of 30-50° C. The filaments were withdrawn from the bath and passed over a first and second godets, then collected. After collecting the filaments, they were washed, desulfurized and bleached by conventional treatments.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, the regenerated cellulosic fibres can also be prepared by Lyocell process, wherein the cellulose was dissolved in N-methylmorpholine (NMMO) under heated conditions, usually in the range of 90° C. to 130° C., and extruded from a multiplicity of fine apertured spinnerets into air. The filaments of cellulose dope are continuously mechanically drawn in air by a factor in the range of about three to ten times to cause molecular orientation. They are then led into water, to regenerate the cellulosic fibres namely Lyocell.
In yet another embodiment, extension of present invention to other cellulosic natural fibres such as cotton, Jute, hemp, flax etc., is conceivable for the person skilled in the art.

Examples:
Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) or Modal or Lyocell, made using standard manufacturing process does not give durable antibacterial performance.
An antibacterial agent is used in Standard VSF or Modal or Lyocell manufacturing process to improve antibacterial performance of fiber. A small amount of chemical DDAC (i.e. 0.05-1% on weight of cellulose fiber) is infused by the way of: pouring or spraying or soaking or coating or padding or dipping and the like on the fiber during fiber manufacturing process and then fibers were dried and finally packed into the bales. The resultant fiber was then evaluated for antibacterial performance in external biological laboratory as per standard test methods.
The performance of DDAC (present invention) is compared with other well-known antibacterial agent (Triclosan). Comparative examples are shown in table 1.

Table 1: Test results as per AATCC 147-2013 for S. Aureus

Sr. No. Sample Description Growth free Zone (mm) Contact inhibition (%)
C.E.1 0.5% Triclosan on cellulose fiber 0 0
Ex. 1 0.15 % DDAC on cellulose fiber 4 100

Triclosan did not demonstrate any antibacterial activity at 0.5% concentration to weight of cellulose, but DDAC shows 100% contact inhibition of bacteria in spite of lower concentration of 0.15%.

Table 2: Comparison of Viscose fiber treated with and without DDAC as an antibacterial agent.
Sr. No. Sample description Bacteria AATCC 100* JIS L-1902*
C.E.-2.1 Viscose Fiber S. Aureus 97.7 2.07
K.pneumoniae 95 2.06
C.E.-2.2 Viscose Fiber -20 wash S. Aureus 0 1.79
K.pneumoniae 0 1.33
C.E.-2.3 Viscose Fiber-->Spunlaced to make Nonwoven sheet S. Aureus 62.17 1.4
K.pneumoniae 45.83 1.38
Ex.-2.1 Viscose fiber treated with 0.15% DDAC S. Aureus 99.66 5
K.pneumoniae 99.62 4.43
EX.-2.2 Viscose fiber treated with 0.15% DDAC --> 20wash S. Aureus 99.66 2.94
K.pneumoniae 99.62 2.96
EX.-2.2a Viscose fiber treated with 0.15% DDAC --> 30wash S. Aureus 98.63
K.pneumoniae 97.82
EX.-2.3 Viscose fiber treated with 0.15% DDAC -->Spunlaced to make Nonwoven sheet S. Aureus 99.99 5.37
K.pneumoniae 99.93 5.1
EX.-2.4 Viscose fibre treated 0.05% DDAC- 0- Wash S. Aureus 99.95
K.pneumoniae 99.92
EX.-2.5 Viscose fibre treated 1% DDAC- 0- Wash S. Aureus 99.99
K.pneumniae 99.99
EX.-2.6 Viscose fibre treated 0.05% DDAC- 20- Wash S. Aureus 99.35
K.pneumoniae 98.99
EX.-2.7 Viscose fibre treated 1% DDAC- 20- Wash S. Aureus 99.80
K.pneumoniae 99.53
EX.-2.8 Lyocell fibre treated 0.15 % DDAC- 0- Wash S. Aureus 99.95
K.pneumoniae 99.92
EX.-2.9 Viscose fibre treated 0.15% DDAC- 20- Wash S. Aureus 99.86
K.pneumoniae 99.25
*For JISL: The Standard Antibacterial Value A= 2. *For AATCC 100: % Reduction of Bacteria
As shown in table 2 above, Comparative example C.E.2.1-2.3 show less antibacterial activity and after 20 washes the activity is lost completely. Also, activity is considerably reduced during the process of making nonwoven spunlaced sheets. Similarly, in examples 2.1-2.7 which are treated with 0.05 to 1% DDAC on fiber surface, shows more than 99% bacterial kill and further this activity is retained after 20 - 30 wash cycles and even after spunlacing process.

Table 3: Comparison of Black Dope dyed viscose fiber treated with and without DDAC as an antibacterial agent
S.N. Results for Antibacterial Activity by AATCC 100 – 2012
Sample Description Test Culture % Reduction of Bacteria
C.E.-3.1 Dope dyed VSF fiber S. Aureus 80.39
K.pneumoniae 72.02
C.E.-3.2 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> 5 wash S. Aureus 70.28
K.pneumoniae 51.85
C.E.-3.3 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> 20 wash S. Aureus 0
K.pneumoniae 0
EX.-3.1 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> DDAC (0.15%) S. Aureus 99.98
K.pneumoniae 99.97
EX.-3.2 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> DDAC (0.15%) --> 5 wash S. Aureus 99.98
K.pneumoniae 99.69
EX.-3.3 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> DDAC (0.15%)--> 20 wash S. Aureus 99.61
K.pneumoniae 99.35

As seen in table 3 above, Comparative example C.E.3.1-3.3 (VSF fiber made by dope dyeing process i.e. dope dyed using black pigment) the activity is reduced after 5 washes and do not show any antibacterial activity after 20 washes. In case of example 3.1-3.3 which is sample prepared with addition of 0.15% DDAC on fiber surface, sample shows more that 99% bacterial kill and this activity is retained after 20 wash cycles.

Table 4: Effect of DDAC as antibacterial agent on dope dyed yellow colored spunlaced fabric.
Sr. No. Spunlaced VSF fabric
(Yellow dope dyed) S. aureus
(ATCC 6538) K. pneumoniae
(ATCC 4352) E. coli
(ATCC 11229)
DDAC concentration Antibacterial Value as per ISO 20743 (The Standard Antibacterial Value A= 2: Pass)
C.E.-4 0 % 1.7 1.52 1.51
EX-4.1 0.1 % > 5.63 4.5 4.28
EX-4.2 0.2% > 5.67 5.07 4.62

As seen in table 4 above, dope dyed VSF fibers (dyed with yellow pigment) were treated with 0.1% and 0.2% DDAC and then spunlaced. These fibers were then tested for antibacterial activity as per ISO 20743 and it was found that addition of 0.1% - 0.2% DDAC (EX-4.1 & EX-4.2) on fiber surface, sample pass the test but fiber without DDAC (C.E.-4) fail the test criteria as per ISO 20743.

Table 5: Antibacterial performance in blends with Cotton or regular viscose
Sr.No. Greige Viscose Fabric stage (Antibacterial VSF [V-AB] fiber was made from fiber with 0.15% DDAC application) Efficacy Test
JIS L 1902 AATCC 100
Norms S. Aureus K.
Pneumoniae Norms S. Aureus K.
Pneumoniae
C.E. -5 C/V: 50:50 (Normal Viscose) --2 wash S>2 1.64 1.7 >99% 0 0
EX-5.1 C/V-AB: 50:50) -2 wash 3.61 3.58 99.83 99.57
EX-5.2 Normal viscose/V-AB: 70:30--> 2 wash 4.17 3.87 99.96 99.76

As seen in table 5 above, studies were conducted on fabric prepared by blending antibacterial VSF with cotton (50:50) and Regular VSF (70:30) to demonstrate the effect of performance in blends. As seen in C.E. 5: there is no activity in 50:50 C/V blends when Antibacterial fiber was absent, but as seen in EX:5.1 which consist of 50% DDAC treated fibers pass the test as per JISL 1902 and 99% activity as per AATCC 100. Similar results are also seen in EX 5.2 where blends of normal viscose with antibacterial viscose (70:30).

Table 6: Antibacterial performance in blends with Cotton and Anti-bacterial VSF treated with 0.15% DDAC

Sample description Bacteria AATCC 100* JIS L-1902*
EX-6.1 Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 (Cotton:ABViscose)?0 wash S. Aureus 99.84 4.08
K. pneumonia 99.68 4.12
EX-6.2 Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 (Cotton:ABViscose)? 10 wash S. Aureus 99.89 >5.63
K. pneumonia 99.86 4.50
EX-6.3 Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 (Cotton:ABViscose)? 20 wash S. Aureus 99.89 2.40
K. pneumonia 99.86 2.48
EX-6.4 Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 (Cotton:ABViscose)? 30 wash S. Aureus 93.84 2.45
K. pneumonia 93.10 2.49
EX-6.5 Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 (Cotton:AB Viscose)? 50 wash S. Aureus 92.41 2.41
K. pneumonia 92.73 2.39

As seen in table 6 above, studies were conducted on fabric prepared by blending antibacterial VSF with cotton (40:60) to demonstrate the effect of performance in blends. Ex. 6.1-6.5, demonstrates the activity of >92% even after 50 washes inspite of only 40% component of antibacterial VSF in blended fabric.

Table 7: Antibacterial performance in modal fabrics.
Sample Details (AATCC 100)
Antibacterial Modal [AB-Modal] is prepared by treating with 0.15% DDAC Bacteria % Reduction of bacteria
Without wash After 20 wash
Sr. No. Fabric type Fabric color / Fabric finishing stage
C.E.-7 Greige (Regular Modal) Greige S. aureus 50.27 0
K. pneumonia 46.53 0
EX-7.1 Greige (AB MODAL) Greig S. aureus >99.99 >99.99
K. pneumoniae 99.89 99.92
EX-7.2 Black (AB Modal) Black / Ready for Finish S. aureus >99.99 >99.99
K. pneumoniae >99.99 99.98
EX-7.3 Black (AB Modal) Black / Final Finished S. aureus >99.99 >99.99
K. pneumoniae >99.99 >99.99

As seen in table 7, EX 7.1-7.3 Greige Modal fabric was made using fibers treated with 0.15% of DDAC clearly demonstrates the retention of antibacterial activity which is less or not retained for regular modal (C.E.-7).

Test methods:
Following test methods were used for characterization of antibacterial efficacy:

A. Determination of anti-bacterial property of test specimen: AATCC test method 100 – 2004
Swatches of test and control specimens are inoculated with the organisms (S. Aureus: 1.5 x 108 Cfu/ml and K. Pneumoniae: 1.5 x 108 Cfu/ml). After inoculation, the specimens are incubated for 18 hours. After incubation, the bacteria are eluted from the specimen swatches by shaking in known amounts of neutralizing solution.
The number of bacteria present in this liquid is determined and the percentage reduction by the specimens is calculated. Percent reduction (R) of bacteria by the specimen treatment
R = 100 C (C-A)/C
Where,
A = the number of bacteria recovered from the inoculated test specimen swatches incubated
over the desired contact period,
C = the number of bacteria recovered from the inoculated control specimen swatches
Immediately after inoculation.

B. JIS L 1902–Absorption method:
The JIS L 1902–Absorption method as follows: first, an inoculum was prepared in 20±0.1 ml of NB and incubated for 24 h at 37±1°C. Then, bacteria concentration is adjusted to 3×108 cells ml-1, by absorbance reading and using the respective calibration curves. A volume of 400 µl from the previous suspension is added to 20 ml of NB and incubated for 3 h at 37±1°C. The bacteria concentration is measured again and diluted in NB 20× (in distilled water) to 3×105 cells ml-1 and 200 µl of this inoculum are added to each sample. The samples are incubated for 24 h at 37±1°C. Then, 20 ml of physiological saline solution (8.5 g of NaCl and 2.0 g of non-ionic surfactant) is added to samples which are vortexed. In order to achieve the number of living bacteria, a serial dilution plate count method is performed (JIS L 1902 2008).

Specific Embodiments
An antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber comprising a quaternary ammonium compound in a concentration range of 0.05 – 1% w/w on the regenerated cellulosic fiber is disclosed.
Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is in a concentration range of 0.1 – 1% w/w on cellulosic fiber.
Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s),wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), C8—C18 alkyl trimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as trimethyloctylammonium chloride, decyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride), soyalkyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, dicocalkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl-benzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as benzyldimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, benzyl alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethyldi(decyl)ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof.
Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), has an antibacterial activity of more than 99% after at least 20 wash cycles.
Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), retain antibacterial activity during downstream processing.
Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), is antibacterial viscose staple fiber, antibacterial modal fiber or antibacterial lyocell fiber.
Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), is used for making woven, non-woven fabrics, fiber blends and fiber composites.

Other Specific Embodiments
A process for preparing antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers, comprises spinning a cellulosic solution through spinneret into a regeneration bath to obtain regenerated cellulosic fibers; washing the regenerated cellulosic fibers; treating the regenerated cellulosic fibers with a solution of quaternary ammonium compound having a concentration range of 0.1-1.5 % w/w of regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain treated regenerated cellulosic fibers; and drying the treated regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers.
Such process(s), wherein treatment of the regenerated cellulosic fibers with the solution of quaternary ammonium compound is carried out by spraying, padding, dipping, pouring or soaking.
Such process(s), wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), C8—C18 alkyl trimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as trimethyloctylammonium chloride, decyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride), soyalkyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, dicocalkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl-benzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as benzyldimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, benzyl alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethyldi(decyl)ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof.

Industrial Applicability
The disclosed antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers provide durable antibacterial performance, and sustain such performance after downstream processes (fiber to yarn to fabric to garment). Use of such antibacterial fibers provide uniform distribution of antibacterial chemical to thus obtained fabric(s). Such fibers and their products demonstrate antibacterial activity of more than 99% after at least 20 wash cycles and retain the antibacterial activity even after 50 wash cycles. Further, the disclosed fibers can be blended with other type of fibers such as polyester, cotton, lyocell, modal etc. in amount of less than 20% of antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers, which also gives durable antibacterial performance. Additionally, in the disclosed process the antibacterial agent is added at fiber manufacturing stage and thus use of any other antibacterial agent at fabric stage is avoided.
,CLAIMS:1. An antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber comprising a quaternary ammonium compound in a concentration range of 0.05–1% w/w on the regenerated cellulosic fiber.
2. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is in a concentration range of 0.1 –1% w/w on cellulosic fiber.
3. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), C8—C18 alkyl trimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as trimethyloctylammonium chloride, decyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride), soyalkyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, dicocalkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl-benzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as benzyldimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, benzyl alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethyldi(decyl)ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof.
4. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1, has an antibacterial activity of more than 99% after at least 20 wash cycles.
5. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1 retains antibacterial activity during downstream processing.
6. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1 is antibacterial viscose staple fiber, antibacterial modal fiber or antibacterial lyocell fiber.
7. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1 is used for making woven, non-woven fabrics, fiber blends and fiber composites.
8. A process for preparing antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers, comprising:
spinning a cellulosic solution through spinneret into a regeneration bath to obtain regenerated cellulosic fibers;
washing the regenerated cellulosic fibers;
treating the regenerated cellulosic fibers with a solution of quaternary ammonium compound having a concentration range of 0.1-1.5 % w/w of regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain treated regenerated cellulosic fibers; and
drying the treated regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers.
9. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein treatment of the regenerated cellulosic fibers with the solution of quaternary ammonium compound is carried out by spraying, padding, dipping, pouring or soaking.
10. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), C8—C18 alkyl trimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as trimethyloctylammonium chloride, decyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride), soyalkyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, dicocalkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl-benzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as benzyldimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, benzyl alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethyldi(decyl)ammonium chloride, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof.