PRODUCTION OF SOME BIO-ACTIVE FIBERS

Abstract

Toe present work aims at (a) Producing of antibacterial and antialgae cotton and polyester/cotton blend fabrics carrying different percentages of copper or lead compounds, and (b) studying the antibacterial and antialgae capacity of the treated fabrics and the stability of such produced bioactive agents. These fabrics are looking forward to be used in production of water filters and antibacterial clothing. Water filters can be applied in the companies that used sea-water in cooling systems to inhibit the growth of bacteria and algae.

A bio-active cotton and polyester/cotton (50/50) blend fabrics were produced by impregnation in a reaction mixture containing Carboxy Methyl Starch (CMS) and Melamine Formaldehyde (MF). After this the samples squeezed, dried, washed, dried, immersed in water solutions of copper sulfate or lead acetate, dried, washed mn water containing detergent, washed with fresh water and finally dried.

Factors affecting the amount of Cuor Pb on the treated fabrics were studied. The bactericidal and algicidal activities of treated fabrics were tested and the stability of both copper and lead on the fabrics was

determined.

It was found that the percentage of both copper and lead ions mncreases with increasing the amount of MF/CMS reacted with the fabrics. On the other hand it was noticed that the higher increase in