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The permanent functionalization of synthetic fibers and especially of polyethylene fibers (PE fibers) is usually difficult, because the synthetic fiber surface does not contain many functional groups for fixation of finishing agents. For this, the aim of the now presented paper is to report of a functionalization process for PE fibers using the polyelectrolyte polyvinylamine (commercially also named as Lupamin™). The polyvinylamine is applied in a HT process (HT for high temperature process using process temperatures of 95 to 140 °C) and usable to work as anchor for further applied negatively charged functionalizing agents as demonstrated in the current study with acid dyes. Also demonstrated is excellent antibacterial activity againstE. coliandS. aureusby simple polyvinylamine application onto PE fibers. This reported method has a high potential for the functionalization of PE fibers and could lead in future to appropriate industrial applications using functionalized PE fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coating system for polyester fabrics is developed containing metal effect pigments and a polyurethane binder. The metal pigment is made of copper, is of microscaled size and anisotropic shape. It is originally used for optical modification but can also be used to introduce other functional properties. The polyurethane binder is needed to fix the pigments on the textile surface. The aim of the current investigation is to present that the binder has not only the task to fix the pigment but can be also used to structure the pigment surface. The binder application leads to formation of microstructures on top of the pigment surface, probably as a result of a dewetting process. Based on this microstructured pigment surface, in future, textile coatings for improvement of water-repellent, antimicrobial, and antistatic properties could be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different hydrophobic amino acids (valine, leucine, and phenylalanine) are used in wet-finishing application on natural fiber fabrics from cotton and linen. By this application, a decrease in hydrophilic properties of the fabrics can be determined by two analytical methods (capillary rise test and TEGEWA drop test) - with most significant results after application of valine or leucine. By this simple approach, the proof of concept is done that small and natural based molecules can be used for an eco-friendly modification of natural fibers. This could be a promising starting point for further development of eco-friendly finishing agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several products are on the market to realize water-, oil-, and soil-repellent properties on textiles or textile-related materials. To make an adequate and fast rating of repellent properties of finished textiles, different drop tests according to AATCC and ISO standards are commonly used. For evaluation of the repellent properties of solid substrates against different liquids often contact angle measurements are performed. The aim of the work presented here is to determine and evaluate the repellent effects gained by the application of three different finishing agents on three different substrates, such as polyester fabric, artificial leather, and leather. The main questions are at that point: It is possible to gain similar repellent effects with the same finishing product applied on different substrates? Do the different testing methods lead to comparable results? Is there a relation to the repellency against everyday consumer products as red wine, ice tea, or coffee? This article should help the reader to evaluate different testing methods and the influence on common substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the antibacterial properties of several silver-containing textile products commercially available in Europe. The antimicrobial properties are evaluated against two different types of bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In a similar experimental set-up, the toxicity of these textile products was also investigated against three different types of human leukocytes (Jurkat, MonoMac-1, and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed human B cells). The antimicrobial activity of the textiles commercialized as antimicrobial fabrics varies in a broad range; for some fabrics, no antimicrobial activity was detectable under the applied test conditions. For comparison, the effect of some fabrics against human cells was also investigated, finding that the ones with high bactericidal activity did also impair the viability of human cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]