DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a process for producing fabrics having antimicrobial and insect repelling finish.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicates otherwise.
Greige fabric: The term “greige fabric” refers to a fabric taken straight from weaving/knitting which has not been subjected to washing or any chemical processing.
Scouring: The term “scouring” refers to a process in which greige fabric is subjected to washing with the help of synthetic detergents and stain removers in order to remove dirt, dust, stains and various oily substances from the greige fabric and making it suitable for further chemical and mechanical processing.
Dyeing: The term “dyeing” refers to a process where different types of dye stuffs are applied onto the fabric in order to achieve the desired color.
Singeing: The term “singeing” refers to a process wherein the fabric is made to pass over a series of flames across the entire width to burn out the fibres protruding from the fabric surface so as to make the fabric surface smooth and clean.
Crabbing: The term “crabbing” refers to a process of passing the fabric over cylinders through a hot-water bath, or through a series of progressively hotter baths, followed by a cold-water bath. Crabbing is done to stabilize the fabric before dyeing and finishing and is necessary only for wool fabrics.
Heat setting: The term “heat setting” refers to a process of conferring stability upon fibres, yarns, or fabrics, by means of hot air.
Shearing: The term “shearing” refers to a process wherein the fabric is passed over a set of rotating helical blades, across the width of the fabric to clean the surface hairs.
Decatising: The term “decatising” refers to a finishing treatment whereby a fabric's physical and dimensional form is enhanced and then stabilized by the use of heat, moisture, pressure and time. Generally, a pressure decatising method produces a permanent change in fabric properties by the action of heat and pressurized steam at greater than 100 kPa (1 atm) pressure on a mechanically constrained fabric, and is usually performed during the final stages of fabric production for several reasons: (a) to develop desirable aesthetic qualities in the fabric such as handle, luster and smoothness, (b) to improve the dimensional stability of the fabric particularly for purposes of garment assembly, (c) to permanently set or preserve these qualities during fabric use.
Pick-up %: “Pick-up %” refers to the quantity of the solution absorbed by the fabric after squeezing, and is expressed as the percentage to the weight of the dry fabric. Pick-up % is calculated as below
(GSM of the wet fabric after squeezing – GSM of Fabric before application) x 100
Pick-up % = -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GSM of Fabric before application
GSM – Grams per square meter
Gpl – Grams / Litre
Stenter: The term “stenter” refers to an open width finishing machine where the fabric passes through a set of chambers, with provision of hot air blowing. This machine can be used for drying and heat setting of fabric.
Program 7A of ISO 6330: “Program 7A of ISO 6330” refers to an International Standard 6330, which specifies domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing. The procedures are applicable to textile fabrics, garments or other textile articles which are subjected to appropriate combinations of domestic washing and drying procedures. This International Standard also specifies the reference detergents and ballasts for the procedures.
AATCC 147: “AATCC 147” (Antibacterial Activity: Parallel Streak Method)” refers to the standard test to detect bacteriostatic activity on textile materials. The method is useful for obtaining a rough estimate of the activity. In this method, the growth of the inoculum organism decreases from one end of each streak to the other and from one streak to the next, resulting in increasing degrees of sensitivity.
AATCC 100: “AATCC 100” (Assessment of Antibacterial Finishes) refers to the quantitative procedure for the evaluation of the degree of antibacterial activity. Assessment of antibacterial finishes on textile materials is determined by the degree of antibacterial activity intended in the use of such materials.
AATCC 30: “AATCC 30” (Antifungal Activity - Antimicrobial Assessment on Textile Materials) refers to the test method to determine the susceptibility of the textile materials to mildew and rot and to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of fungicides on textile materials.
AATCC 194: “AATCC 194” (Assessment of Anti-House Dust Mite Properties of Textiles) refers to the test method for the evaluation of the degree of anti-house dust mite activity in a long-term testing environment for textiles treated at the manufacturing level for this purpose.
Antimicrobial: The term “antimicrobial” refers to a substance having activity against microorganisms, fungi, and mites, such as home-dust mite.

BACKGROUND
Clothing and textile materials are not only carriers of microorganisms, such as pathogenic bacteria, odor generating bacteria, and fungi, but also provide good media for the growth of microorganisms. The inherent properties of the textile fibers, along with humid and warm environment provide room for the growth of microorganisms. Infestation by microorganisms may result in infection by pathogens and development of odor where the fabric is worn next to the skin. Further, microorganisms result in staining and loss of the performance properties of textile substrates. Unpleasant smell form the inner garments, such as socks, spread of diseases, staining and degradation of textiles are some of the detrimental effects of the growth of microorganisms on fabrics.
Although the use of antimicrobials have been known for a long time, it is only in the recent years that attempts have been made on finishing textiles with antimicrobial compounds.
The most common technology for making durable antimicrobial apparel fabric is to introduce silver ion at the polymerization stage of the fibre manufacturing or to treat the fabric with nano- silver ions during finishing. However, silver ion has many adverse effects on human beings as well as on the environment including abnormal size, shrinkage and rounded appearance of human skin cells when grown in a Petri-dish and exposed to nano-silver particle size in the range of 7 nm to 20 nm at concentrations above 6.25 µg/ml, ii) adverse effect on wound, and iii) toxic to several species of nitrifying bacteria at concentration as low as 0.14 µg/ml. Further, the increase in mass usage of silver treated antimicrobial fabric and the effluent generated during home laundering of garments may contaminate soil and/or water.
IN267294 discloses a formulation comprising at least one phenolic compound, at least one fragrance and at least one alcohol, which is capable of rendering antimicrobial finish to fabrics. However, the formulation disclosed in IN267294 is effective only against bacteria and is not effective against other type of microorganisms.
Chemicals, such as 3- trimethoxy silyl propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride are also used for producing fabrics having antimicrobial finish, however the use of this chemical causes yellowing of the shade / colour of the fabric. Further, 3- trimethoxy silyl propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride is a cationic compound and if any anionic detergent is used during home laundering, it will remove the cationic compound from the fabric resulting in lowering of the durability/efficacy of the antimicrobial effect.
Various techniques have been explored to produce fabrics having antimicrobial finish using compounds based on chlorine, iodine, and zinc.
One of the techniques involves production of antimicrobial woven or knitted fabric, using crimp yarn, which is treated with cation-active antimicrobial compounds, such as benzalkyl ammonium derivates, and phenolic polyoxymethylene derivates. In another instance, the fiber is contacted with or immersed in an aqueous solution in which a cationic surfactant with a quaternary ammonium salt group, a water-soluble protein, and an alkaline compound are dissolved; and the fiber is separated from the aqueous solution and immersed in another aqueous solution containing tea polyphenol. Polymeric fiber substrate comprising phosphonic acid groups covalently bonded thereto and antimicrobial agents (benzalkonium chloride) ionically bonded to the phosphonic acid groups are known. Antimicrobial fabrics, which are produced using chitosan and chitosan-metal complexes, are also known. Antimicrobial fabrics are also produced using halogenated phenolic biocide, such as pentachlorophenol (PCP), p-chloro-m-xylenol (PCMX), hexachlorophenel, o-phenylphenol, dichlorophene, chlorophene, bromophene, and trilosan.
However, the textile or fabrics containing the antimicrobial agents mentioned hereinabove do not provide effective and long lasting antimicrobial activity.
Therefore, there is felt a need to provide fabrics having antimicrobial finish that mitigates the drawbacks mentioned hereinabove.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide fabrics having durable antimicrobial finish.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a process for the production of fabrics having antimicrobial finish.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide fabrics having antimicrobial finish, with similar tone, colour, hand feel and appearance as the normal finished fabric.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide fabrics having antimicrobial finish that are safe for human beings as well as for the environment.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a process for producing fabric having antimicrobial finish in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to an antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics. The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics comprises at least one active compound selected from the group consisting of 2,4,4,'-trichloro-2'hydroxy diphenyl ether, 2-phenylphenol, quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, clotrimazole, sodium pyrithione, copper pyrithione, silver pyrithione, and zinc pyrithione in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one alcohol in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one acrylic co-polymer in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one acid in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation and at least one fluid medium in an amount in the range of 95 % to 99 % of the mass of the formulation. In one embodiment, the active compound is zinc pyrithione. Optionally, the antimicrobial finish formulation further comprises at least one micro amino silicone in an amount in the range of 0.5 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation.
The present disclosure further provides a process for producing a fabric having antimicrobial finish. The process comprising subjecting a fabric to a step of pre-treatment selected from the group consisting of scouring, dyeing, singeing, crabbing, and shearing, to obtain a pre-treated fabric. The pre-treated fabric is soaked in the antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics to obtain a soaked fabric. The soaked fabric is subjected to a step of post-treatment selected from the group consisting of drying, pressing, and decatising to obtain the fabric having antimicrobial finish. Optionally, at least one micro amino silicone is added to the antimicrobial formulation in an amount in the range of 0.5 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation.
There is also provided a fabric having an antimicrobial finish produced using the antimicrobial finish formulation wherein the fabric is capable of retaining the antimicrobial properties up to 100 launderings as tested by test protocol AATCC – 100, AATCC – 147, AATCC – 30, and AATCC – 194.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various techniques have been explored to produce fabrics having antimicrobial finish using compounds based on chlorine, iodine, and zinc. However, the textile or fabrics containing the antimicrobial agents conventionally used do not provide effective and long lasting antimicrobial activity.
The subject matter of the granted patent IN267294 filed by the present Applicant discloses a formulation comprising at least one phenolic compound, at least one fragrance and at least one alcohol, which is capable of rendering antimicrobial finish to fabrics. However, the formulation of IN267294 (Application no. 1901/MUM/2010 dated 29th June 2010) is effective only against bacteria. The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics of the present disclosure envisages a formulation that is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms including bacteria, and fungi. Further, the antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics of the present disclosure is effective against mites, such as home dust mite.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics. The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics comprises at least one active compound in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one alcohol in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one acrylic co-polymer in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one acid in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, and at least one fluid medium in an amount in the range of 95 % to 99 % of the mass of the formulation.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the active compound is selected from the group consisting of 2,4,4,'-trichloro-2'hydroxy diphenyl ether, 2-phenylphenol, quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, clotrimazole, sodium pyrithione, copper pyrithione, silver pyrithione, and zinc pyrithione. In one embodiment, the active compound is zinc pyrithione.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the alcohol is selected from isopropyl alcohol, and ethoxylated fatty alcohols. In one embodiment, the alcohol is isopropanol.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the acrylic co-polymers are selected from synergetic blend of primary, secondary and tertiary acrylic polymers.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the acid is an organic acid, including, but not limited to, acetic acid.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the fluid medium is an aqueous medium, including, but not limited to, water.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the antimicrobial finish formulation further comprises at least one micro amino silicone in an amount in the range of 0.5 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation.
The present disclosure further provides a process for preparing a fabric having antimicrobial finish. The first step is providing a fabric selected from the group consisting of wool, rayon, polyester, polyester viscose, polyester wool and combinations thereof.
The fabric is then subjected to pre-treatment to obtain a pre-treated fabric. Typically, the pre-treatment comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of scouring at a temperature of in the range of 55 oC to 60 oC, drying at a temperature of about 90-160oC, heat setting on stenter at a temperature in the range of 170 oC to 210oC, dyeing, singeing, crabbing and shearing.
In the next step, the pre-treated fabric is soaked in an antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics in accordance with the present disclosure, to obtain a soaked fabric. Typically, the antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics comprises at least one active compound in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one alcohol in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one acrylic co-polymer in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, at least one acid in an amount in the range of 0.2 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation, and at least one fluid medium in an amount in the range of 95 % to 99 % of the mass of the formulation. Typically, the soaking is carried out at a temperature in the range of 25 oC to 50 oC.
Finally, the soaked fabric is subjected to post-treatment to obtain a fabric having antimicrobial finish. Typically, the post-treatment comprises drying at a temperature of about 90 oC to 160 oC and at least one operation selected from the group of pressing and decatising.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a micro amino silicone is added to the antimicrobial formulation in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 1.5% of the mass of the formulation.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the process is illustrated in Figure-1. Typically, the assembly used in the process for the production of antimicrobial fabric in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a finishing tank (1), pipe (2) for feeding the solution from the tank to a mangle (5), fabric trolley (3), squeeze rollers (6) and stenter.
Initially, the antimicrobial formulation of the present disclosure comprising the acrylic co-polymer as the binder are added in a finishing tank (1) along with normal finishing chemicals (micro amino silicone for better hand feel) . The final solution goes to the mangle (5) through a pipe (2) for padding where fabric (4) picks up the solution and the fabric passes through a set of squeezing rollers (6) to squeeze out the excess solution.
The pickup is about 55 % to 70 %. After this, the fabric enters into a heating chamber of stenter for drying.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fabric with the antimicrobial finish is capable of retaining the antimicrobial properties up to 100 launderings as per program 7A of ISO 6330 and as tested by test protocol AATCC – 100, AATCC – 147, AATCC – 30, AATCC – 194.
The present disclosure is further described in light of the following laboratory scale experiments which are set forth for illustration purpose only and not to be construed for limiting the scope of the disclosure. These laboratory scale experiments can be scaled up to industrial/commercial scale and the results obtained can be extrapolated to industrial/commercial scale.
Experimental details
Experiment-1: Antimicrobial finish formulations for fabrics in accordance with the present disclosure
Antimicrobial finish formulations for fabrics in accordance with the present disclosure were prepared using various proportions of the ingredients as summarized in Table-1.
Table-1: Antimicrobial finish formulations for fabrics in accordance with the present disclosure
S. No. Kopthione (zinc pyrithione) (gpl) Isopropyl alcohol (gpl) Acrylic co-polymer (gpl) Acetic Acid (gpl) Water (Fluid medium) (gpl)
1 5 5 5 0 985
2 4 5 5 1 985
3 3 5 5 2 985
4 2 5 5 3 985

The formulations prepared as per experiments were used for the preparation of antimicrobial fabrics of different types. Typically, the formulation is used in an amount of about 2 to 15 gram per liter (gpl).
Experiemnt-2: Preparation of antimicrobial fabrics of different types
The antimicrobial fabrics of different types were prepared using the process steps as summarized in Table-2.
Table-2: Processing steps for preparation of antimicrobial fabrics in accordance with the present disclosure
S. No. Process Polyester /Cellulosic – Suiting / Shirting Fabric
(A) 100% Polyester & Polyester /Cellulosic – Piece Dyed Suiting / Shirting Fabric
(B)
PW – Suiting Fabric (C) 100% Wool – Suiting
Fabric
(D) 100% Polyester Auto textiles–Piece Dyed Fabric
(E)
100% Polyester Auto textiles–Yarn Dyed Fabric
(F)

1
Scouring 55 – 60 ° C 55 – 60 ° C 55 – 60 ° C 55 – 60 ° C 55 – 60 ° C 55 – 60 ° C
2 Drying 90- 160°C 90- 160°C 90-160°C 90- 160°C 90- 160°C 90- 160°C
3 Heat setting on Stenter 170–210 °C 170–210 °C 170–210 °C ---- 170–210 °C 170–210 °C
4 Dyeing --- Max up to 135 °C --- ----- Max up to 135 °C ----
5 Drying ---- 90- 160°C ---- ----- 90-160°C ----
6 Singeing 80—120 Mtr/min 80—120 Mtr/min 80—120 Mtr/min 80—120 Mtr/min ---- ----
7 Crabbing --- --- --- 110—130 °C ----- ----
8 Scouring 55 – 60 ° C 55 – 60 ° C 55 – 60 ° C 55 – 60 ° C ----- ----
9 Drying 90- 160°C 90- 160°C 90- 160°C 90- 160°C ----- ----
10 Shearing ---- ---- 15 - 30 mtr/min 15 - 30 mtr/min ----- ----
11 Anti-micribial Formulation used Sr. No. 3 from Table 1 Sr. No. 3 from Table 1 Sr. No. 3 from Table 1 Sr. No. 1 from Table 1 Sr. No. 4 from Table 1 Sr. No. 2 from Table 1
12 Soaking temperature Room Temperature Room Temperature Room Temperature Room Temperature Room Temperature Room Temperature
13 Drying 90- 160°C 90- 160°C 90- 160°C 90- 160°C 90- 160°C 90- 160°C
14 1St pressing 15 - 30 mtr/min 15 - 30 mtr/min 15 - 30 mtr/min 15 - 30 mtr/min ---- ----
15 Kier Decatising 100 – 115°C,
Pressure 0.4 – 1.2 Bar 100–115°C, Pressure 0.4 – 1.2 Bar 100– 115°C,
Pressure 0.4 – 1.2 Bar 100 – 115°C,
Pressure 0.4 – 1.2 Bar ---- ----
16 Final Pressing 15 - 30 mtr/min 15 - 30 mtr/min 15 - 30 mtr/min 15 - 30 mtr/min ---- ----

Experiment 3a: Assessment of antifungal activity, mildew and rot resistance of antimicrobial fabrics
The antifungal activity, mildew and rot resistance of the antimicrobial fabrics was tested using the Test Standard: AATCC Test Method 30. Aspergillus niger ATCC 6275 was used as the test culture, and the size of the test specimen was 38 mm. The samples were incubated for 7 days in a humidity chamber (>80 & RH) at 28 °C. The results obtained are summarized in Table-3.
Table-3: Result of assessment of antifungal activity, mildew and rot resistance (AATCC 30)
Sample Description Zone of inhibition Rating Interpretation
Polyester /Cellulosic – Suiting / Shirting Fabric (A of table 2) No zone 0 Resistant to fungal attack
Control Sample (Whatman filter paper viability control) 4 Not resistant to fungal attack
100% Polyester & Polyester /Cellulosic – Piece Dyed Suiting / Shirting Fabric (B of table 2) No zone 0 Resistant to fungal attack
Control Sample (Whatman filter paper viability control) 4 Not resistant to fungal attack
PW – Suiting Fabric (C of table 2) No zone 0 Resistant to fungal attack
Control Sample (Whatman filter paper viability control) 4 Not resistant to fungal attack
100% Wool – Suiting
Fabric (D of table 2) No zone 0 Resistant to fungal attack
Control Sample (Whatman filter paper viability control) 4 Not resistant to fungal attack
100% Polyester Auto textiles–Piece Dyed Fabric (E of table 2) No zone 0 Resistant to fungal attack
Control Sample (Whatman filter paper viability control) 4 Not resistant to fungal attack
100% Polyester Auto textiles–Yarn Dyed Fabric (F of table 2) No zone 0 Resistant to fungal attack
Control Sample (Whatman filter paper viability control) 4 Not resistant to fungal attack

For the evaluation of the relative resistance of the fabric samples, the percentage of surface growth of Aspergillus niger was rated according to the following scheme.
Observation for visible/microscopic effect:
Growth on specimen Rating
No growth 0
Trace of growth (<10 %) 1
Light growth (10 to 30 % ) 2
Medium growth (30 to 60 % ) 3
Heavy growth (60 % to complete overage ) 4

Experiment 3b: Evaluation of antimicrobial activity (AATCC 100 – 2012)
The antimicrobial activity of the antimicrobial fabrics was tested using the Test Standard: AATCC 100 - 2012. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (2.00 x 105 cfu/ml) and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352 (2.10 x 105 cfu/ml) were used as the test culture. 48 mm discs of the sample were used for the test, the sample was pre-treated using free steaming, and 4 swatches of the sample was used. The inoculum carrier used was phosphate buffered water and the neutralizer used was Dey-Engley (DE) broth. The results obtained are summarized in Table-4. The test was carried out for 100 % polyester white 100 wash T-2, 100 % polyester knitted black 100 wash T-2, polyester/wool (55/45) 100 wash T-2, and polyester/viscose (65/35) 100 wash T-2. The samples were in contact with the individual test culture for 24 hours at 37 °C, and the results obtained are summarized in Table-4.
Table-4: Results of Evaluation of antimicrobial activity (AATCC 100 – 2012)
Sample Test Culture No. of bacteria per sample (CFU/sample) Percentage reduction of bacteria (R)
Inoculated sample at 0 hour (B) Inoculated sample at 24 hours (A)
Polyester /Cellulosic – Suiting / Shirting Fabric (A of table 2) S. aureus 1.70 x 105 20 99.98
K. pneumoniae 1.80 x 105 4.90 x 102 99.47
100% Polyester & Polyester /Cellulosic – Piece Dyed Suiting / Shirting Fabric (B of table 2) S. aureus 1.90 x 105 4.00 x 102 99.78
K. pneumoniae 2.08 x 105 4.30 x 102 99.79
PW – Suiting Fabric (C of table 2) S. aureus 1.92 x 105 1.73 x 104 90.98
K. pneumoniae 2.02 x 105 1.82 x 104 90.99
100% Wool – Suiting Fabric (D of table 2) S. aureus 1.78 x 105 4.40 x 102 99.75
K. pneumoniae 1.78 x 105 6.90 x 102 99.61
100% Polyester Auto textiles–Piece Dyed Fabric (E of table 2) S. aureus 1.92 x 105 1.37 x 103 99.28
K. pneumoniae 2.05 x 105 2.18 x 103 98.93
100% Polyester Auto textiles–Yarn Dyed Fabric (F of table 2) S. aureus 1.95 x 103 9.50 x 102 99.51
K. pneumoniae 2.07 x 103 1.67 x 103 99.19

CFU= colony forming unit (number of microorganisms)
Percentage reduction of microorganism (R) = 100 (B-A/B)
The fabrics prepared in accordance with the present disclosure exhibit antimicrobial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, when tested according to AATCC 100 – 2012.
Experiment 3c: Assessment of antimicrobial activity (AATCC 147-2011)
The antimicrobial activity of the antimicrobial fabrics was assessed using the Test Standard: AATCC 147 - 2011. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352 were used as the test culture. The test was carried out for 100 % polyester white 100 wash T-2, and the untreated sample was used as the control sample. The results obtained are summarized in Table-5.
Table-5: Result of assessment of antimicrobial activity (AATCC 147-2011)
Sample Test organism Antibacterial activity Conclusion
Zone of inhibition Growth under specimen
Polyester /Cellulosic – Suiting / Shirting Fabric (A of table 2) S. aureus No zone No growth Bacteriostatic and antibacterial activity Passes
K.
pneumoniae No zone No growth
Control sample S. aureus No zone Growth No antibacterial activity Fails
K. pneumoniae No zone Growth
100% Polyester & Polyester /Cellulosic – Piece Dyed Suiting / Shirting Fabric (B of table 2) S. aureus No zone No growth Bacteriostatic and antibacterial activity Passes
K.
pneumoniae No zone No growth
Control sample S. aureus No zone Growth No antibacterial activity Fails
K. pneumoniae No zone Growth
PW – Suiting Fabric (C of table 2) S. aureus No zone No growth Bacteriostatic and antibacterial activity Passes
K.
pneumoniae No zone No growth
Control sample S. aureus No zone Growth No antibacterial activity Fails
K. pneumoniae No zone Growth
100% Wool – Suiting Fabric (D of table 2) S. aureus No zone No growth Bacteriostatic and antibacterial activity Passes
K.
pneumoniae No zone No growth
Control sample S. aureus No zone Growth No antibacterial activity Fails
K. pneumoniae No zone Growth
100% Polyester Auto textiles–Piece Dyed Fabric (E of table 2) S. aureus
No zone No growth Bacteriostatic and antibacterial activity Passes
K.
pneumoniae No zone No growth
Control sample S. aureus No zone Growth No antibacterial activity Fails
K. pneumoniae No zone Growth
100% Polyester Auto textiles–Yarn Dyed Fabric (F of table 2) S. aureus
No zone No growth Bacteriostatic and antibacterial activity Passes
K.
pneumoniae No zone No growth
Control sample S. aureus No zone Growth No antibacterial activity Fails
K. pneumoniae No zone Growth

The fabric prepared in accordance with the present disclosure exhibits bacteriostatic and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, when tested according to AATCC 147 – 2011.
All the fabrics, treated with the formulations of the present disclosure possess antimicrobial and antifungal property at initial condition and after 100 washes / 20 dry cleanings (in case of all wool fabrics) as well. The fabrics prepared in accordance with the present disclosure passes the tests, when tested according to AATCC – 100, AATCC – 147, AATCC – 30, AATCC – 194.
The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics of the present disclosure is non – cytotoxic and hence is safe for human use. The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics does not require any change in the normal processing sequence of the fabrics. The antimicrobial formulation is simply added along with normal finish at chemical finishing stage in the processing sequence. The use of the antimicrobial finish formulation of the present disclosure imparts comparable tone, color, hand-feel, and appearance of the fabric as that of the normal finished fabric, which is of very high importance in consumer and apparel fabrics. Further, it is compatible with all the normal finishes applied to fabrics.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of:
- an antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics that is non – cytotoxic and is compatible with all the normal finishes applied to fabrics;
- an antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics that does not alter the tone, color, hand-feel and appearance of the fabric compared to normal finished fabric;
- a fabric with an antimicrobial finish that passes the tests when tested according to AATCC – 100, AATCC – 147, AATCC – 30, and AATCC – 194; and
- a fabric with an antimicrobial finish that is durable up to 100 home launderings as per program 7A of ISO 6330 and various abrasion conditions.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Variations or modifications to the formulation of this invention, within the scope of the invention, may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure herein. Such variations or modifications are well within the spirit of this invention.
The numerical values given for various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics comprising:
a. at least one active compound selected from the group consisting of 2,4,4,'-trichloro-2'hydroxy diphenyl ether, 2-phenylphenol, quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, clotrimazole, sodium pyrithione, copper pyrithione, silver pyrithione, and zinc pyrithione in an amount in the range of 0.2% to 1.5% of the mass of the formulation;
b. at least one alcohol in an amount in the range of 0.2% to 1.5% of the mass of the formulation;
c. at least one acrylic co-polymer in an amount in the range of 0.2% to 1.5% of the mass of the formulation;
d. at least one acid in an amount in the range of 0.2% to 1.5% of the mass of the formulation; and
e. at least one fluid medium in an amount in the range of 95% to 99% of the mass of the formulation.
2. The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics as claimed in claim 1, wherein said active compound is zinc pyrithione.
3. The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alcohol is selected from isopropyl alcohol, and ethoxylated fatty alcohols.
4. The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics as claimed in claim 1, wherein said acid is acetic acid, and said fluid medium is water.
5. The antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one micro amino silicone in an amount in the range of 0.5 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation.
6. A process for producing a fabric having antimicrobial finish, said process comprising the following steps:
a. providing a fabric selected from the group consisting of wool, rayon, polyester, polyester viscose, polyester wool, and combinations thereof;
b. subjecting said fabric to a step of pre-treatment to obtain a pre-treated fabric;
c. soaking said pre-treated fabric in said antimicrobial finish formulation for fabrics as claimed in claim 1 at a temperature in the range of 25 °C to 50 °C to obtain a soaked fabric; and
d. subjecting said soaked fabric to a step of post-treatment to obtain said fabric having antimicrobial finish.
7. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein said step of pre-treatment (b) is selected from the group consisting of scouring at a temperature in the range of 55 oC to 60 oC, dyeing, singeing, crabbing, and shearing.
8. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein said step of post-treatment (d) is selected from the group consisting of drying at a temperature in the range of 90 oC to 160 oC, pressing, and decatising.
9. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one micro amino silicone is added to the antimicrobial formulation in an amount in the range of 0.5 % to 1.5 % of the mass of the formulation.
10. A fabric having an antimicrobial finish produced using the formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fabric is capable of retaining the antimicrobial properties up to 100 launderings as tested by test protocol AATCC – 100, AATCC – 147, AATCC – 30, and AATCC – 194.