Anti-Microbial Fabric Including Bamboo Viscose Fibers

The technical field of the disclosed embodiments relate to stretchable fabrics. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments relate to a stretchable fabric including plant-based fibers and having antimicrobial properties.

Synthetic fabrics are well known. For example, Spandex® was introduced to the public in 1962. Spandex revolutionized the textile industry with its exceptional elasticity and strength, becoming a widely used material in various clothing applications, including active wear, swimwear, undergarments, and form-fitting garments.

Spandex® is made almost entirely from polyurethane, a synthetic plastic polymer also known as elastane. Elastane is not biodegradable. The production and disposal of plastic-based textiles contribute to pollution and waste accumulation, exacerbating the global environmental crisis. Additionally, the manufacturing processes involved in producing plastic textiles often rely on machinery that can be hazardous to both workers and the environment. These factors underscore the need for alternative methods and materials in textile fabrication that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Also, Spandex® and similar fabrics do not have antimicrobial properties.

Fabrics with antimicrobial properties offer several advantages, such as odor control by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria, hygiene and durability by reducing the proliferation of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms on the fabric surface, and skin health by providing added protection against irritation and potential microbial-related skin issues. Furthermore, fabrics with antimicrobial properties may be used for longer periods and may be washed less frequently and at lower temperatures, leading to potential energy savings and reduced water usage, which can be environmentally friendly.

Disclosed are various embodiments of a generally eco-friendly fabric blend with antimicrobial properties may be woven from a combination of bamboo viscose, polyester, silver yarn, and graphene. In an embodiment, the blend includes 33% bamboo viscose, 43% polyester, 14.5% silver yarn, and 9.5% graphene.

The fabric may offer a solution for a variety of bedding materials due to the unique blend of fibers used. Bamboo viscose, a type of fabric made from bamboo fibers, is known for its softness, smooth texture, and moisture-wicking properties, making it popular for use in clothing, bedding, and other textiles. Polyester is a durable fabric material that improves longevity and has antimicrobial properties. Graphene has thermoregulatory properties, keeping users comfortable in changing climates and also has antimicrobial properties. Silver yarn as active antimicrobial properties as it actively disrupts the cellular processes of microbes. A final treatment with a polymer-based antimicrobial that uses a delivery system to transport and secure silver ions to the treated article, further improves the antimicrobial effect of the fabric.

With its blend of comfort, breathability, thermoregulation, and antimicrobial properties, this fabric composition could be exceptionally beneficial for a wide range of bedding applications such as bed pillows, bed sheets, and mattresses.

In an embodiment, a generally eco-friendly fabric blend with antimicrobial properties may be woven from a combination of bamboo viscose, polyester, silver yarn, and graphene. The fabric may offer a solution for a variety of bedding materials. Bamboo viscose is a type of fabric made from bamboo fibers. The process involves extracting cellulose from bamboo plants and then spinning it into a yarn, which is then woven into fabric. Bamboo viscose is known for its softness, smooth texture, and moisture-wicking properties, making it popular for use in clothing, bedding, and other textiles. It's a sustainable alternative to traditional viscose or rayon fabrics because bamboo grows quickly and requires fewer pesticides and water compared to other crops. Polyester is a durable fabric material that improves longevity and has antimicrobial properties. Graphene has thermoregulatory properties, keeping users comfortable in changing climates and also has antimicrobial properties. Silver yarn as active antimicrobial properties as it actively disrupts the cellular processes of microbes.

is a conceptual representation of an exemplary weavein which the warpis the set of threads that are stretched lengthwise on a loom. These threads are typically arranged parallel to each other and are held under tension during the weaving process. The weftconsists of the threads that are woven across the width of the fabric, perpendicular to the warp threads. The weft threads are passed over and under the warp threads to create the fabric's structure.

shows the finished fabric. In an embodiment, the fabric may be a blend include the following ratio of materials: 33% bamboo viscose; 43% polyester; 14.5% silver yarn; and 9.5% graphene. After weaving, the fabric may be treated with a polymer-based antimicrobial that uses a delivery system to transport and secure silver ions to the treated article, such as SILVADUR 930™.

The selection of materials and relative ratios may be carefully selected to produce the desired effects and properties. Bamboo fibers are known for their softness and breathability. They offer a luxurious feel to the fabric, making it comfortable for bedding materials. Additionally, bamboo viscose has natural antibacterial properties, which, when combined with SILVADUR 930™″, enhance the overall antimicrobial effectiveness of the fabric.

Polyester may provide durability and wrinkle resistance. It adds strength to the fabric, providing longevity even with frequent washing. However, polyester is not as breathable as natural fibers like bamboo viscose, which can affect the fabric's ability to regulate temperature and moisture. Combining it with bamboo viscose helps strike a balance between durability and comfort.

Silver yarn actively inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, making it an suitable addition to textiles intended for hygiene-sensitive applications such as bedding products. When incorporated into textiles, silver ions actively disrupt the cellular processes of these microbes, preventing their proliferation and reducing the risk of odor formation and bacterial infections.

Silver yarn enhances the fabric's ability to stay fresh and odor-free even after prolonged use. Additionally, silver's antimicrobial efficacy can extend the lifespan of the textile product by reducing the buildup of odor-causing bacteria, thereby maintaining its freshness and functionality through multiple uses and washes.

Graphene is a relatively newer addition to textile technology and provides exceptional thermal conductivity and antibacterial properties. Graphene fibers contribute to thermoregulation by efficiently dissipating heat away from the body, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature even in varying environmental conditions. This makes bedding materials made with graphene fibers suitable for both hot and cold climates, as they can help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating or excessive cooling. Graphene's antimicrobial effect complements that of silver yarn, providing an additional layer of protection against microbial growth.

SILVADUR 930™ may be incorporated into/onto materials during the manufacturing process to imparts antimicrobial activity and prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew that may cause unpleasant odors, discoloration, or deterioration of the treated product. The fabric fixing process, where SILVADUR 930™ is introduced, plays a crucial role in ensuring uniform distribution of the antimicrobial agent throughout the material, maximizing its effectiveness against harmful microorganisms like. In testing, SILVADUR 930™ exhibited a reduction of 99.9% ofusing The American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)strain.

With its blend of comfort, breathability, thermoregulation, and antimicrobial properties, this fabric composition could be exceptionally beneficial for a wide range of home products.

In bedding applications such as bed pillows, bed sheets, and mattresses, the softness and breathability of bamboo viscose combined with the durability of polyester ensure a luxurious sleeping experience. The antimicrobial properties provided by silver yarn and graphene offer added protection against the growth of odor-causing bacteria, ensuring freshness and hygiene for longer periods between washes.

Bedding made from this fabric blend is particularly well-suited for individuals seeking a comfortable and hygienic sleep environment. The thermoregulatory properties of graphene help to maintain optimal body temperature throughout the night, promoting restful sleep in various climates.

Overall, the versatility and performance of this fabric blend make it a valuable choice for enhancing comfort, hygiene, and longevity in a variety of bedding applications.

The foregoing method descriptions and diagrams/figures are provided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the operations of various aspects must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the order of operations in the aspects described herein may be performed in any order. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the operations; such words are used to guide the reader through the description of the methods and systems described herein. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

The preceding description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make, implement, or use the claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects illustrated herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims disclosed herein.