Development of antimicrobial textiles using zinc pyrithione

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a suitable procedure for producing antimicrobial 100 per cent cotton textiles using zinc pyrithione. Zinc pyrithione being bacteriostatic in nature is eco-friendly and safe, both for manufacturer to apply and consumer to use.

Design/methodology/approach

After conducting laboratory trials, bulk trial has also been conducted, and efficacy of zinc pyrithione as bacteriostatic has been quantitatively determined. The durability of antimicrobial finish was also checked before and after repeated domestic laundry.

Findings

The findings indicated that it is possible to produce durable antimicrobial 100 per cent cotton textiles in bulk using zinc pyrithione.

Research limitations/implications

Any exporting textile processing mill can directly use the findings of this work and can produce antimicrobial textiles in their factory.

Practical implications

Any exporting textile mill can increase their export earnings by producing antimicrobial textiles. The antimicrobial textiles are in great demand in Asia-Pacific region and have already touched exports of US$497.4m in 2015 and is projected to reach US$1,076.1m by 2026.

Social implications

The textile user can get protection against pathogenic or odour-causing microorganisms using this hygiene finish in different end uses.

Originality/value

The work is original. Very few references are available on zinc pyrithione. First, laboratory studies were done, and bacteriostatic properties of zinc pyrithione were determined quantitatively followed by bulk trial.

Citation

Jain, A.K. and Tesema, A.F. (2017), "Development of antimicrobial textiles using zinc pyrithione", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 188-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-06-2017-0031