Antimicrobial Textiles

Antimicrobial textiles have attracted a great deal of interest in recent years due to their potential for reducing the transmission of infection in medical and healthcare environments. Antimicrobial properties can also improve the performance and lifespan of consumer products, and so these fabrics are increasingly finding applications in the wider textile and apparel industry. This book provides systematic coverage of the technologies and materials required for developing these important textiles.

In Part One, chapters address key issues and technologies in the creation of antimicrobial textile products. Topics covered include testing and regulation, microencapsulation, sol-gel coating and plasma technologies, nanotechnology and life cycle assessment. Part Two then reviews key antimicrobial agents, such as N-halamines, plant based compounds and photo-active chemicals. Finally, the chapters of Part Three offer detailed reviews of antimicrobial textiles for particular important applications, including medical devices, protective clothing and products with improved durability and longevity.

Reviews key issues and technologies in the creation of antimicrobial textile productsOffered a detailed overview of by antimicrobial agents and a wide range of important applicationsProduced by an experienced editor and a distinguished and international team of contributors

1. Introduction: developing antimicrobial textiles

Part I - Key issues and technologies in creating antimicrobial textile products 2. Testing and regulation of antimicrobial textiles 3. Microencapsulation technologies for antimicrobial textiles 4. Sol-gel coating technology for antimicrobial textiles 5. Plasma technology for antimicrobial textiles 6. Nanotechnology for antimicrobial textiles 7. Life cycle assessment (LCA) of reusable hospital textiles with biocidal finish

Part II - Antimicrobial agents 8. N-halamines as antimicrobial textile finishes 9. Halogenated phenols and polybiguanides as antimicrobial textile finishes 10. Plant-based compounds for antimicrobial textiles 11. Photo-active chemicals for antimicrobial textiles 12. Barrier textiles for protection against microbes

Part III - Applications of antimicrobial textiles 13. Antimicrobial textiles for medical environments 14. Antimicrobial textiles for sutures, implants and scaffolds 15. Antimicrobial textiles for treating skin infections and atopic dermatitis 16. Antimicrobials for protective clothing 17. Antimicrobial finishes for improving the durability and longevity of fabric structures