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Abstract:
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Two antibacterial finishes, BNI-6 and Reputex 20, were applied to 100% polyester
and 100% cotton single jersey dyed knit fabrics. Microban BNI-6 was applied at a 4%
concentration level to 100 % polyester either through a jet application or on a Tubetex
finishing range. Reputex 20 was applied to 100 % cotton fabric at either a 2 % or 4 %
concentration level. In addition, an acrylic binder, Discobind, was applied to some
conditions at either a 1 % or 2 % concentration level based on the weight of the fabric
on a Tubetex finishing range. The polyester and cotton fabrics were than either not
cured or cured at 340°F or 360°F for 1, 2, 3, or 4 minutes. All fabrics were laundered
for fifty washes and tested for antibacterial activity and color change after 0, 1, 5, 10,
25 and 50 washes.
The results of this research indicate that Reputex 20 applied at either a 2 % or 4 %
concentration level to cotton can maintain over an 80 % bactericidal ability against
staphylococcus aureus for fifty washes and maintain approximately a 100% bactericidal
ability against E. coli for one wash. BNI-6, applied on a Tubetex finishing range,
maintained a 50% bactericidal ability against staphylococcus aureus for five washes but
showed little or no bactericidal ability against E. Coli even after the initial application.
BNI-6, applied through a jet application, however, maintained a 50% bactericidal
ability against staphylococcus aureus for over fifty washes but once again showed little
to no antibacterial ability against E. Coli. BNI-6 appeared to have little affect on shade
depth and colorfastness, however Reputex 20 appeared to have a slight affect on shade
depth.
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