Antimicrobial Finish

RTC provide consultancy services to world leaders in the development of antimicrobial textile finishes.

The need to preserve fabrics against rotting and mildew stain has long been recognized. However, the use of antimicrobials to inhibit odour development resulting from biological growth on textiles had not been considered a real need until recently.

The use of synthetic fibres and blends in such items as shirts, hosiery, blouses, and underwear has increased the need for antimicrobial finishes on clothing. The moisture-transport characteristics of such blends tend to cause a greater degree of "perspiration wetness" than occurs with fabrics of wholly natural fibres.

Several antimicrobial textile finishes exist for personal wear, however their use for this purpose has not gained ready acceptance. Until recently poor activity against mold and mildew, lack of wash durability or inadequate safety data to meet requirements.

In response to these needs RTC Textiles are developing a safe, antimicrobial, wash-resistant textile finish capable of inhibiting the growth of both bacteria and fungi.