Hohenstein studies fresh type of antimicrobial finish
27/09/2017
Scientists at the German company will analyse whether Lewis acids - metal oxides – can be used instead of silver or ammonium-containing compounds.
It claims the use of silver and ammonium is “questionable with respect to possible adverse ecological and toxicological effects. In addition, these compounds are generally expensive”.
Lewis acids exhibit an acidic surface effect and are used to clean hospital floors, among other things. However, they have not been applied on textile surfaces, said Hohenstein.
They have proven to be useful against pathogens like fungi, bacteria, viruses and effective against exposure to human sweat and proteins.
Researchers will cooperate with knitted and woven fabrics makers as well as textile finishers and aim to supply optimised compositions for antimicrobial finishes to the wider textile industry at the end of the project.
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