WO2011008204A1

WO2011008204A1 - Ionized performance fabric with antimicrobial/antibacterial/antifungal properties

Info

Publication number: WO2011008204A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/050689
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan C. Short; Bryan S. Short; Albert B. Ouimet
Original assignee: TECHNICAL TEXTILES
Current assignee: TECHNICAL TEXTILES
Priority date: 2009-07-15
Filing date: 2009-07-15
Publication date: 2011-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2012-01-15

Abstract

A composition for treating fabric includes in weight percent about 0.1 to about 15.0% fixative, about 0.1 to about 10.0% ionizing agent, about 0.1 to about 8.0 fixative catalyst, about 0.1 to about 8.0% of a material selected from a group consisting of polyolefin, oxidized polyolefin and mixtures thereof, about 0.0 to about 8.0% silicone, about 0.1 to about 4.0% wetting agent, about 1.0 to about 3.0% antimicrobial/antibacterial/antifungal agent and any remainder as a carrier.

Description

IONIZED PERFORMANCE FABRIC WITH

ANI^'ΪMICROBIAL/ANTIBACTERIAL/ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES

TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABIU ΓY OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the clothing field, and more particularly, to specialty garments, surgical masks, bandages and tapes and compositions for treating those fabrics and products. The compositions are also useful in treating medical wraps and domestic fabrics such as sheeting, pillowcases, bed coverings and throws. The compositions are furthermore useful in imparting antimicrobial/antibacterial/ antifungal properties to textile fabrics and garments but also to polymers such as polyvinylchloride, nitrile rubber and polyacrylates, polyethylene s and polyvinylidene chloride for use as food packaging, surgical gloves, examining gloves, food service gloves and the like.

BACKGROUND OF TIIL; INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to specialty fabrics and clothes such as shirts, pants, socks, underwear, sweaters, coats, gloves, mittens, shoes, hats and other head wear. The invention also relates to surgical masks, bandages and tapes as used in the medical field. Individuals wearing clothing, bandages, wraps and/or tapes constructed from the specialty fabric of the present invention against their skin have observed substantial increases in oxygen levels in the bloodstream, circulation and muscle recovery, static and dynamic endurance, performance, speed, quickness and reaction time. Further, wearers of the specialty fabric have also experienced energized endorphins, increases in immunologic A, an important immune factor, and enhanced antiinflammatory effectiveness. Wearing the clothes, bandages, wraps and/or tapes of the present invention enables an athlete to perform better, perform longer and have greater muscle elasticity, less warm up time and faster recovery. A person sleeping on mattress covers, sheets and pillowcases containing this treatment will enjoy a deeper, more relaxing sleep and awake feeling more rested. Incorporating an antimicrobial/antibacterial/antifungal agent into this composition will allow the wearer not only to feel fresher but the item of clothing such as shirts, pants, socks, underwear and undergarments, sweaters coats, gloves, mittens, shoes, hats and other head wear, along with surgical masks, bandages and tapes along with surgical gloves, examination gloves, food service gloves and food packaging will inhibit the growth of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, aspergillus niger (black mold) and any other harmful mold or fungus or harmful bacteria.

(0003] The antimicrobial/antifungal agents can be dispersed into plastic polymers such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl] dene chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate, nitrile rubber, polyacryiates, neoprenes or any other film forming thermoplastic polymers and non- woven scrims thus providing a product which will inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Jn addition, the incorporation of antimicrobials into the polymeric film affords protection to the wearer and also does not allow any harmful bacteria or fungi to be transferred to any surface with which it comes in contact. By incorporating a source of negatively charged ions into the thermoplastic polymer along with the antimicrobial agent(s), the ability of the antimicrobial is further enhanced. The negatively charged ions present will attract any positively charged ions such as gram positive and gram negative bacteria, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants, bonding with them, holding them in place thus making the antimicrobial agent considerably more effective.

[0004] Products which can be treated with this composition are food packaging and preservation films, athletic wear, footwear, household products, cleaning products, plastic containers, medical devices such as stents, catheters, shunts, needles; also, toys, sanitary products, diapers, wipes plastic cutlery, filtration media, automotive products such as steering wheels, headliners and interior upholstery. Also, carpeting and floor coverings, polymeric mattresses such as blown neoprene foams, visco-foams. Also, computer keyboards, cell phones, doorknob covers, or any other substance into which antimicrobials and negatively charged ions can be placed. Also, it is possible to incorporate this technology into synthetic fibers such as, but not limited to. nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic in the dope or liquid state. Thus a fiber can be spun which inherently contains this technology.

[0005] Further, when worn in a surgical operating suite, treated gloves will provide the surgical team with antimicrobial/antibacterial/antifungal properties. Not only will the surgical team realize these properties and their protection from gram positive and gram negative bacteria and black mold, the patient will also receive these benefits because the gloves will be inherently treated at point of manufacture,

[0006] Food packaging films, treated with this composition will extend shelf life of food and protect against the effects of salmonella and E. coli bacteria and other gram negative and gram positive bacteria. The incorporation of food grade silica and aluniinosilicates will allow the thin film food packaging polymer such as polyvinyls, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylenes or any other polymer which can be used in food packaging to absorb ethylene gas which is given off by fruits and vegetables, thus increasing and protecting freshness.

[0007] Food service personnel, wearing gloves treated with this composition will be protected; and furthermore, because the gloves are inherently treated, no harmful bacteria will be transferred to other surfaces with which these gloves come in contact. Because this composition consists of a combination of ionized technology and antimicrobial /antibacterial /antifungal agents, the wearer will experience the benefits of ionized substrates. Individuals wearing these treated gloves will feel more energized and will be subjected to less muscle cramping in the hands because of lactic acid management in the muscle tissue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a composition is provided for treating fabric for polymeric films such as nitrile rubber, polyvinylchloride, ethylvinylacetate, polyacrylate, polyvinylidene chloride or combinations thereof. The composition comprises in weight percent about 0.1 to about 15.0% fixative, about 0.1 to about 10.0% ionizing agent selected from a group consisting of an acid or acid salt with ionization properties, tourmaline, zeolite, diatomite. silica gel, amethyst, chitosan, germanium, titanium and mixtures thereof , about 0.1 to about 8.0% fixative catalyst, about 0.1 to about 8.0% of a material selected from a group consisting of polyolefin, oxidized polyolefm and mixtures thereof, about 0.0 to about 8.0% aminofυnctioπal silicone, about 0.01 to about 4.0% wetting agent, about 1.0 to about 3.0% antimicrobial/antibacterial/ antifungal agent and any remainder as a carrier. In one particularly useful embodiment, the composition includes between about 0.1 to about

8.0% silicone.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a performance fabric is provided comprising a fabric substrate treated with a composition as just described.

(0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention a method is provided of preparing a performance fabric. The method comprises treating a fabric substrate with a composition as just described.

[0011] In the following description there is shown and described several different embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of some of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various. obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain certain principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0013] Figures 1 -3 are cross-sectional views illustrating three possible embodiments of the specialty fabric of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a surgical mask made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and

[0015] Figure 5 is a side elevational view of medical tape made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. DEIAΪ LED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In accordance with the present invention an ionized finish is durably fixed to a textile fabric by treating the fabric in an appropriate composition. The particular chemistry utilized to impart ionized groups to the fabric depends upon the particular textile fiber and the balance of physical and chemical properties expected from the finished fabric. The goal is provide an ionized finish that will function to enhance the physiologic and athletic performance of the wearer or to provide a more relaxing night's sleep.

[0018] One composition useful in the present invention comprises in weight percent about 0, 1 to about 15.0% fixative, about 0.1 to about 10.0% ionising agent, about 0.1 to about 8.0% fixative catalyst, about 0.1 to about 8.0% of a material selected from a group consisting of polyolefin, oxidized polyoleiln and mixtures thereof, about 0.0 to about 8.0% amino functional silicone, about 0,01 to about 4.0% wetting agent, about LO to about 3.0% antimicrobial/antibacterial/anti fungal agent and the remainder as a carrier. In one particularly useful embodiment the composition includes about 0.1 to about 8.0% amino functional silicone, In yet another particularly useful embodiment the composition comprises about 2.0 to about 8.0% fixative, about 1.0 to about 5.0% ionizing agent, about 1.0 to about 4.0% fixative catalyst, about 0.2 to about 4.5% polyolefin, oxidized polyolefin or mixtures thereof, about 0.2 to about 4.0% aminofunctionai silicone, about 0.1 to about 2.0% wetting agent, about 1.0 to about 3.0% antimicrobial/antibacterial/ antifungal agent and any remainder as carrier.

f0019] In this compositional embodiment the fixative aids in fixing the sulfamate salts that provide the ionization effect to the fabric being treated. This is particularly true when the fabric includes cellulosic fibers. Further, the fixative may also serve to provide an ionization effect. For example, a polymer containing rnaleic acid such as a copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid may fix itself on a cellulose or a synthetic fiber and have ionization properties. The fixative may be selected from a group consisting of urea, dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea, dimethylureaglyoxal and mixtures thereof.

[0020] The ionizing agent is selected from a group including any acid or acid salt that serves as an agent to provide ionization properties and to adjust the pH. The acid or acid salt may, for example, be selected from a group consisting of sulfamic acid, sulfamic acid salt, ammonium sulfarnate, socium sulfatnate, magnesium sulfamate, phosphoric acid, the sodium salt of phosphoric acid, polycarboxylic acid, citric acid, bυtanctetracarboxylic acid, polymers and copolymers containing maleic acid and acrylic acid and their sodium salts and mixtures thereof. Other useful ionizing agents include but are not limited to tourmaline, zeolite, diatomite, silica gel, amethyst, chitosan, germanium, titanium and mixtures thereof.

[0021] The poly olefin and/or oxidized polyolefin serves as a softener and/or sewing lubricant. The polyolefm/oxidized polyolefin is typically polyethylene and/or polypropylene. The softener must be used at a low level (about 0.5%) where good wicking properties are desired.

[0022] The fixative catalyst may, for example, be magnesium salts and selected from a group consisting of magnesium chloride and magnesium chloride activated with citric acid. For a catalyst useful in fixation of maleic acid containing polymers, salts of phoxphoric acid may be used at a pH of 2.6 - 4.0. The aminofunctional silicone is ionizable so as to impart ionization properties to the fabric being treated. The aminofunctional silicone may, for example, be selected from a group consisting of various silicone polymers containing amine groups. The amine groups may be primary, secondary or tertiary, or quaternary and mixtures thereof. Other silicones useful in the present invention include polydimethylsiloxane, amodimethicone, phenyltrimethycone, reactive silicones containing ethyl, methyl, amine, carboxy, hydroxyl and epoxy groups and silicones having AB and ABA functionalities.

[0023] The wetting agent may be selected from a group consisting of nonionic and anionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. The wetting agents are usually nonionic surfactants with from 12 to 18 carbon atoms in the oleophilic portion of the molecule. In the hydrophilic portion of the molecule, the ethylene oxide reacted segments usually vary from 5 to 10, Anionic surfactants may be needed to make the finishing solution compatible.

[0024] The antimicrobial/antibacterial/antifungal agent is typically selected from a group of agents consisting of an aqueous dispersion based upon 5-chloro-2-(2,4 dichlorophenoxy)phenol, a water based suspension of dϋodomethyl-p-tolyl sulfone, a finely divided powder of diiodomethyl-p-tolyl sulfone, a finely divided suspension of imidazole and pyrithione, a water based solution based upon silver ion technology, an essential oil, sideritis oil, oregano oil, tea tree oil, mint oil, sandlewood oil, clove oil, nigella sativa, onion oil, garlic, lavender oil, lemon oil. lemon myrtle oil, neem oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, a phenol, chlorine, iodine, a mercury salt, a quaternary ammonium compound, an oligodynamic metal, copper, heavy metals, a glycoprotein, lactoferrin and mixtures thereof. Usually the carrier is water. However, other carriers may be utilized, Useful carriers include, but are not limited to, water, air, alcohol, polyol, polyester polyol, sugar alcohols such as maltitol, sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, xylitol, lactitoL erythretol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol, diethylene glycol reacting with phthalic acid to form a polyester fiber, capro lactone, a polyester polyol formed by reacting pentaerythritol with gamma-butyrolactone, hydroxyl terminated polybutadienes used in forming urethanes, natural oil polyols, peanut oil, canola oil and castor oil. In addition, plasticizers such as, but not limited to, dioctyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate can also be used as carriers. .

[0025] When treating fabric made from synthetic fibers and, particularly polyesters, the composition may be modified to include an effective amount of blocked copolymer of polyester/polyethylene glycol such as is available from Piedmont Chemical in High Point, North Carolina. This blocked copolymer functions to make the polyester fibers of the fabric hydrophilic and thereby improves the binding of those fibers with the acid/acid salts with ionization properties.

[0026] The composition is applied to the fabric by blotting, spraying, soaking, foaming or any other appropriate means. The composition is then dried and cured. The percent wet pickup may vary from 10 to 120 percent depending on the fabric and the level of treatment desired. After drying, the cure temperature will depend on the time permitted for curing. Conditions may very from, for example, 10 seconds at 38O⁰F to 20 minutes at 28O⁰F.

[0027] Three possible embodiments of the performance fabric of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 1-3, Of course, it should be realized that these different embodiments are simply presented for purposes of illustration and that the invention should not be considered as limited thereto. [002Sj In the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the fabric IO comprises a single layer of a substrate 12 treated with one of the compositions previously described. The fabric substrate may be a cellulosic material, a noncellulosic synthetic material or a blend of the two. Fabric substrates treated with the composition of the present invention include but are not limited to cotton, linen, rayon, polyester, nylon, elastomers, acrylics, wool, silk, and blends and mixtures thereof.

[0029] An alternative embodiment of the performance fabric 10 of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 2. In this embodiment the fabric 10 comprises a substrate layer 14 treated with the previously described composition in order to provide ionized properties and a second layer 16 of a filter material. That filter material ma\ , for example, comprise a fabric treated with a known filtering material such as charcoal, activated carbon, chlorophyll, baking soda, activated alumina, soda lime, zeolite, calcium oxide, potassium permanganate diatomaceous earth or the like. In one possible embodiment that layer 16 comprises a fabric substrate encapsulated with activated carbon using a poly film- Such a filtering layer 16 reduces the release of body odor to the environment, allows for enhanced moisture management, while also protecting the covered skin from noxious chemicals in the environment. Thus, it serves a number of functions.

[0030] Λ third embodiment of the performance fabric 10 of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 3. In this embodiment the performance fabric 10 comprises three separate layers. The outer two layers 18, 20 are constructed from a cellulosic material such as cotton, rayon, linen and any mixtures thereof or a noncellulosic synthetic material such as nylon, polyester, elastomers, acrylics, and mixtures thereof or even a blend of the two types of materials/ fibers or natural fibers such as silk, wool, ramie, jute or blends thereof. Either or both of the layers 18, 20 may be treated with the performance enhancing compositions of the present invention in order to provide an ionization effect. A third layer 22 of filtering material may be provided between the first two layers 18, 20. The third layer 22 may comprise a fabric substrate treated with a filtering agent in the manner described above like the layer 16. (0031] A medical mask 50 is illustrated in Figure 4. The medical mask 50 includes a body 52 and tie straps 54. Λt least the body 52 of the mask 50 is constructed from the ionized fabric of the present invention illustrated in any of Figures 1-3,

[0032] A medical tape 60 is illustrated in Figure 5. The medical tape 60 includes a strip of fabric 62 having an adhesive 64 on one face 66 thereof. The strip of fabric 62 is constructed from the ionized fabric of the present invention as illustrated in any of Figures 1-3,

[0033 j Substantially any type of clothing, medical wraps, surgical masks, bandages, medical tapes and domestic fabrics such as sheeting, pillowcases, bed covering, and throws may be constructed from the performance fabrics of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1-3. For example, the fabrics may be utilized to construct shoes, socks, pants, shorts, underwear and undergarments, shirts, sweaters, scarves, gloves, mittens and any type of hat or other head wear. All of the performance fabrics illustrated in Figures 1-3 include an ionized characteristic that provides various beneficial physiological effects to a wearer of clothing constructed from the fabrics. In addition the Figure 2 and 3 embodiments incorporate an additional filtering layer 16, 22 that functions to both reduce body odor, provide comfort through moisture management, and protect the pores of skin covered by the fabric from noxious gaseous materials in the environment. Thus, unique, multiple benefits are achieved by the wearer heretofore unknown in the art.

[0034] The fibers of the fabric substrates utilized to make the clothing may be imparted with ionized properties by a number of methods. The chemistry will depend on both the fibers and the particular chemical group to be fixed. As would be expected, cellulosic fibers respond differently from non-cellulosic synthetics. Furthermore the finish will also depend on the final balance of physical properties desired for the garment [0035] For cellulosic fibers such as cotton, rayon, and linen, ionic groups may be fixed by a number of methods. Some of these approaches include (1) partial carboxymethylation using a sodium salt of chloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide; (2) reactive polycarboxylic acids with appropriate catalyst, pH and heat; (3) phosphorylation with ammonium phosphate and urea; (4) sulfation with appropriate salts of sulfamic acid; (5) fixation of reactive dyes and colorless reactive dyes; {6} fixation of epoxy functional cationic compounds: and (7) fixation of ionic polymers such as carboxymethyl cellulose, sulfonated phenolic/ formaldehyde polymers, carboxylated acrylic polymers, partial oxidized polyethylene and amino functional silicones.

[0036] Non-cellulosic synthetic fiber such as polyester and nylon are not as reactive as the cellulosic fibers. For these non-cellulosic synthetic fibers fixation of the reactive groups must be more on the surface. Reactive polycarboxylic acid compounds have been effective in fixing cationic compounds such as choline chloride. This reaction in combination with oxidized polyethylene and aminofunctional silicones has been effective in achieving desirable ionic properties on synthetic fibers.

[0037] The following examples are to further illustrate the invention but it is not to be considered as limited thereto.

[0038] Example 1 :

[0039] Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, urea, ammonia, triclosan and a wetting agent are padded onto a white 100% cotton 14 ³A oz. Bleached twill at 66% wet pick-up with the following formulation on weight of the bath:

Urea 3.0%

Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate 3.0%

non-re wetting noni onic surfactant 0.1%

Ammonia, 27% 0.2%

Triclosan (5~chloro-2-(2-4 dichlorophenoxyphenol) 2.0%

[0040[ The fabric is dried 10 minutes at 250° F. In this example, the ammonium dihydrogen phosphate provides the ionization effect to the fabric.

[0041] Examples 2-4

[0042] Three additional formulations are prepared, In the first, a water based suspension of diiodomethyl-p-tolyl sulfone is substituted for the triclosan. In the second, a finely divided suspension of imidazole and pyrithione is substituted for the triclosan. In the third, a water based solution based upon silver ion technology is substituted for the triclosan.

[0043] Example 5:

[0044] Ammonium sulfamate, a glycolated Dimethylol-dihydroxy-diethylene urea resin, magnesium chloride catalyst containing citric acid, a wetting agent, a polyethylene softener, triclosan and an aminofunctional silicone softener are padded onto a white 100% cotton shirting fabric at 61% wet pick-up with the following formulation of weight of the bath:

Ammonium sulfamate, 47% 10%

Dimethyl urca/glyoxal resin 10%

zinc nitrate or magnesium chloride catalyst 3.0%

non-rewetting nonionic surfactant 0.2%

oxidized polyethylene softener 1.0%

amino-functional silicone softener 1.0%

Friclosan (5-chloro-2-(2-4 dichlorophenoxyphenol) 2.0%

[0045] The fabric is dried 10 minutes at 250° F and cured 2 minutes at 340° F. In this example, the ammonium sulfamate provides the ionization effect to the fabric.

[0046] Exa.mpk_6

[0047J Example 5 is repeated except that the glycolated dirnethylol-dihydroxy- diethylene urea resin is replaced with a non-formaldehyde dimethylurea/giyoxal resin.

[0048] The fabric is dried 10 minutes at 250° F and cured 2 minutes at 340° F. In this example, the ammonium sulfamate provides the ionization effect to the fabric.

[0049] Example 7

[0050] Sodium sulfamate, a glycolated Dimethylol-dihydrox> -diethyl enc urea resin, magnesium chloride catalyst containing citric acid, a wetting agent, a polyethylene softener, an aminofunctional silicone softener, triclosan, plus an optical brightener and bluing agent are padded onto a white 100% cotton 8 oz. twill fabric at 67% wet pick-up with the following formulation of weight of the bath:

Sodium sulfamate, 50% 10%

Dimethyl urea/glyoxal resin 10%

zinc nitrate or magnesium chloride catalyst 3.0%

non-rewetting nonionic surfactant 0.2%

oxidized polyethylene softener 1.0%

amino-functional silicone softener 1.0%

optical brightener 1.0%

Pad N Blue 2GC (1 g/L) 0.5%

Pad N Violet 4B { 1 g/L) 0.5% Triclosan 3,0%

[0051] The fabric is dried ten minutes at 250° F, then cured one minute at 340° F, In this embodiment, the sodium sulfamate provides rhe ionization effect to the fabric.

[0052] Example 8

[0053] Citric acid, a glycolatcd Dimethylol-dihydroxy-diethylcne urea resin, magnesium chloride catalyst, a wetting agent, a polyethylene softener, an aminofunctional silicone softener, triclosan, plus an optical brightener and bluing agent are padded onto a white 100% cotton 8 oz. twill fabric at 67% wet pick-up with the following formulation of weight of the bath:

Citric Acid 5.0%

Dimethyl urea/glyoxal resin 10%

magnesium chloride catalyst 3.0%

non-rewetting nonionic softener 0.2%

oxidized polyethylene softener 1.0%

amino- functional silicone softener 1.0%

optical brightener 1.0%

Pad N Blue 2GC (1 g/10 0.5%

Pad N Violet 4B (1 g/L) 0.5%

Triclosan 1.5%

[Θ054J The fabric is dried ten minutes at 250° F, then cured one minute at 340° F,

In this example, the citric acid provides the ionization effect to the fabric.

[0055] Example 9

[0056] An ionization finishing composition or formulation for synthetic fibers includes 0.4% anionic surfactant, 0.2% nonionic surfactant, 4.0% polyester/polyethylene glycol blocked copolymer, 10.0% maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer (adjusted to a pH of 2.8 with phosphoric acid), 2.0% triclosan and the balance water. [0057] The same formulation may also be used on cellulose containing fabrics.

Other softeners such as polyethylene and silicones may be added. The type and amount of the softness will depend upon the moisture management properties desired. The molecular weight of the maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer should be at least 20,000 for optimum performance.

[0058] Example 10

*A composition for treating polymers such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylideπe chloride, polyethylenes and other non-aqueous systems with antimicrobial and antifungal agents, along with natural minerals to absorb ethylene gas in order to preserve foodstuffs and to provide negatively charged ions is composed of the following:

Diisononyl phthalate about 40% to about 50%

Polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,

Polyethylene about 40% to about 50%

Zeolite about 0.5% to about 1.0%

Diatomite {crystalline silica), food grade about 0.5% to about 1,0%

Imidazole about 0.05% to about 3.0%

[00591 Example 1 1

*A composition for treating aqueous polymers such as polyacrylates and nitrile rubber with antimicrobial and antifungal agents, along with natural minerals to add a source of negatively charged ions for use in surgical and examination gloves is composed of the following:

Polyacrylate or nitrile rubber solution about 90.0% to about 100.0%

Triclosan(5-chloro-2-(2-4dichlorophenoxyphenol) or about 0.5% to about 3.0%

Imidazole or diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone or pyrithione

or silver ions

Diatomite (crystalline silica) food grade about 0,5% to about 1.0%

* Thin films can be formed from these formulations as in Examples 10 and I l via extrusion, spraying or dipping or any other viable form of manufacture. [0060] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings,

[0061] The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. The drawings and preferred embodiments do not and are not intended to limit the ordinary meaning of the claims in their fair and broad interpretation in any way.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A composition for treating fabric, comprising by weight percent:

about 0,1 to about 15.0% fixative;

about 0.1 to about 10.0% ionizing agent selected from a group consisting of an acid or acid salt with ionization properties, tourmaline, zeolite, diatomite, silica gel, amethyst, chitosan, germanium, titanium and mixtures thereof;

about 0.1 to about 8.0% fixative catalyst;

about 0,1 to about 8.0% of a material selected from a group consisting of polyolefin, oxidized polyolefin and mixtures thereof;

about 0.1 to about 8.0% silicone selected from a group consisting of an aminofunctional silicone, polydimethylsiloxane, arnodimethicone, phenyltrimethycone, reactive silicones containing an aminopropyl, an ethyl, a methyl, an amine, a carboxy, a hydroxy 1 or an epoxygroup, a silicone having AB functionality, a silicone having ABA functionality and any mixtures thereof;

about 0.01 to about 4.0% wetting agent; and

any remainder as a carrier.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said fixative is selected from a group consisting of urea, dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea, dimethyhireaglyoxal and mixtures thereof, said acid or acid salt is selected from a group consisting of sulfamic acid, sulfamic acid salt, ammonium sulfamate, sodium sulfamate, magnesium suSfamate, phosphoric acid, the sodium salt of phosphoric acid, polycarboxylic acid, citric acid, hutanetetracarboxylic acid, polymers and copolymers containing maleic acid, acrylic acid and their sodium salts and mixtures thereof and said polyolefin is selected from a group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene and mixtures thereof,

3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said fixative catalyst is selected from a group consisting of magnesium salts, magnesium chloride, magnesium chloride activated with citric acid, salts of phosphoric acid and mixtures thereof.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein said aminofunctional silicone is selected from a group consisting of "various silicone polymers containing amine groups and mixtures thereof,

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein said wetting agent is selected from a group consisting of nonionic and anionic surfactants and mixtures thereof

6. The composition of claim 1, further including between about 0.1 and about 5.0% blocked copolymer of polyester/polyethylene glycol,

7. The composition of claim I₅ including between about 0.1 to about 8.0% aminofunctional silicone.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial/antibacterial/antifungai agent is selected from a group of agents consisting of an aqueous dispersion based upon 5-chloro-2-(2_s4 dichlorophenoxy)phenol. a water based suspension of diiodomethyl-p- tolyl sulfone, a finely divided powder of diiodomethyl-p-tolyl sulfone, a finely divided suspension of imidazole and pyrithione, a water based solution based upon silver ion technology, an essential oil, sideritis oil, oregano oil, tea tree oil, mint oil, sandlewood oil, clove oil, nigella sativa, onion oil, garlic, lavender oil, lemon oil, lemon myrtle oil, neem oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, alcohol, ethyl alcohol. isopropyl alcohol, a phenol, chlorine, iodine, a mercury salt, a quaternary ammonium compound, an oligodynamic metal, copper, heavy metals, a glycoprotein, lactoferrin and mixtures thereof.

9. A performance fabric, comprising:

a fabric substrate treated with a composition having by weight percent:

about 0.1 to about 15.0% fixative;

about 0.1 to about 10,0% ionizing agent selected from a group consisting of acid or acid salt with ionization properties selected from a group consisting of sulfamic acid, sulfamic acid salt, ammonium sulfamate, sodium sulfamate, magnesium sulfamate, phosphoric acid, the sodium salt of phosphoric acid, polycarboxylic acid, citric acid, butanetetracarboxylic acid, polymers and copolymers containing inaleic acid, acrylic acid and their sodium salts; tourmaline, zeolite, diatomite, silica gel, amethyst, chitosan, germanium and mixtures thereof;

about 0.1 to about 8.0% fixative catalyst;

about 0.1 to about 8.0% of a material selected from a group consisting of polyolefin, oxidized polyoiefin and mixtures thereof;

about 0.1 to about 8.0% silicone selected from a group consisting of an aminofunctional silicone, polydimethylsiloxane. arnodimelhicone, phenyltrimethycone, reactive silicones containing an aminopropyl, an ethyl, a methyl, an amine, a carboxy, a hydroxyl or an epoxygroup, a silicone having AB functionality, a silicone having ABA functionality and any mixtures thereof;

about 0.01 to about 4.0% wetting agent;

about 1.0 to about 3.0% anitimicrobial/antibacterial/antifungal agent; and any remainder as a carrier.

10. The performance fabric of claim 9. wherein said fabric substrate is a cellulosic material.

11. The performance fabric of claim 9, wherein said fabric substrate is a natural cellulosic fiber.

12. The performance fabric of claim 10, wherein said cellulosic material is selected from a group consisting of cotton, rayon, linen and other bast fibers, and mixtures thereof.

13. The performance fabric of claim 9, wherein said fabric substrate is a blend of cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers.

14. The performance fabric of claim 9, wherein said composition farther includes between about 0.1 and about 5.0% blocked copolymer of polyester/polyethylene glycol.

15. The performance fabric of claim 9, wherein said antimicrobial/antibacterial/ antifungal agent is selected from a group of agents consisting of an aqueous dispersion based upon 5-chloro-2~(2.4 dichlorophenoxy)phenol, a water based suspension of diiodomethyl-p-tolyl sulfone. a finely divided powder of diiodomethyl-p-tolyl sulfone. a finely divided suspension of imidazole and pyrithione, a water based solution based upon silver ion technology, an essential oil, sideritis oil, oregano oil, tea tree oil, mint oil, sandlewood oil, clove oil, nigella sativa, onion oil, garlic, lavender oil, lemon oil, lemon myrtle oil, neem oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, a phenol, chlorine, iodine, a mercury salt, a quaternary ammonium compound, an oligodynamic metal, copper, heavy metals, a glycoprotein, lactoferrin and mixtures thereof.

16. A method of preparing a performance fabric, comprising:

treating a fabric substrate with a composition having by weight percent:

about 0.1 to about 15.0% fixative;

about 0.1 to about 10.0% ionizing agent selected from a group consisting of acid or acid salt with ionization properties selected from a group consisting of sulfamic acid, sulfamic acid salt, ammonium sulfamate, sodium sulfamate, magnesium sulfamate. phosphoric acid, the sodium salt of phosphoric acid, polycarboxylic acid, citric acid, butanetetracarboxylic acid, polymers and copolymers containing maleic acid, acrylic acid and their sodium salts; tourmaline, zeolite, diatomite, silica gel, amethyst, chitosan, germanium and mixtures thereof;

about 0.1 to about 8.0% fixative catalyst;

about 0.1 to about 8.0% of a material selected from a group consisting of polyolefin, oxidized polyolefin and mixtures thereof;

about 0.1 to about 8.0% silicone selected from a group consisting of an aminofunctional silicone, polydirnethylsiloxane, amodimethicone, phenyltrimethycone, reactive silicones containing an aminopropyl, an ethyl, a methyl, an amine, a carboxy, a hydroxy! or an epoxygroup, a silicone having AB functionality, a silicone having ABA functionality and any mixtures thereof;;

about 0.01 to about 4.0% wetting agent; and

any remainder as a carrier.

17. The method of claim lό_> wherein said treating step includes applying said composition to said fabric substrate, drying said composition and curing said composition on said fabric substrate.

18. The method of claim 16, including adding between about 0.1 and about 5.0% blocked copolymer of polyester/polyethylene glycol to said composition.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein said antimicrobial/antibacterial/antifungal agent is selected from a group of agents consisting of an aqueous dispersion based upon 5- chloro-2-(2,4 dichlorophenoxy)phenol, a water based suspension of diiodomethyl-p-tolyl sulfone, a finely divided powder of dϋodomethyl-p-tolyl sulfone, a finely divided suspension of imidazole and pyrithione, a water based solution based upon silver ion technology, an essential, sideritis oil, oregano oil, tea tree oil, mint oil, sandlewood oil, clove oil, nigella sativa, onion oil, garlic, lavender oil, lemon oil, lemon myrtle oil. neem oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, a phenol, chlorine, iodine, a mercury salt, a quaternary ammonium compound, an oligodynamic metal, copper, heavy metals, a glycoprotein, lactoierrin and mixtures thereof.