The invention relates to treated cellulosic fibers comprising internally dispersed cuprous oxide (Cu.sub.2O) nanoparticles, methods of preparing such treated cellulosic fibers, and uses of such treated cellulosic fibers.

The invention relates to treated cellulosic fibers comprising internally dispersed cuprous oxide (Cu.sub.2O) nanoparticles, methods of preparing such treated cellulosic fibers, and uses of such treated cellulosic fibers.

A method of thermally drawing fibers containing continuous crystalline metal nanowires therein includes forming a preform comprising an inner core and an outer cladding, wherein at least one of the core and cladding has nanoelements dispersed therein. The preform is drawn through a heated zone to form a reduced size fiber. A second preform is then created from a plurality of fibers created from the reduced size fiber. The second preform is then drawn through the heated zone to form an elongated fiber containing continuous crystalline metallic nanowires therein having a maximum cross-sectional dimension of less than 100 nm. Optionally, a third or additional preforms are created from fibers made from the previous thermal drawing operation that are then drawn through the heated zone to form a fiber containing even smaller crystalline metal continuous nanowires therein. In some embodiments, only a single pass through the heated zone may be needed.

A method of thermally drawing fibers containing continuous crystalline metal nanowires therein includes forming a preform comprising an inner core and an outer cladding, wherein at least one of the core and cladding has nanoelements dispersed therein. The preform is drawn through a heated zone to form a reduced size fiber. A second preform is then created from a plurality of fibers created from the reduced size fiber. The second preform is then drawn through the heated zone to form an elongated fiber containing continuous crystalline metallic nanowires therein having a maximum cross-sectional dimension of less than 100 nm. Optionally, a third or additional preforms are created from fibers made from the previous thermal drawing operation that are then drawn through the heated zone to form a fiber containing even smaller crystalline metal continuous nanowires therein. In some embodiments, only a single pass through the heated zone may be needed.

A substrate with a pathogen inhibiting treatment. The substrate comprising a first coating of an inorganic material. The inorganic material being applied to the substrate via a vapour deposition process. A second coating applied at an upper surface of the first coating, and wherein the second coating is at least one of a protective coating for the first coating and a functional coating.

A manufacturing method for an antibacterial fiber includes the following steps. A dipping step is performed to soak a conductive fiber in a solution, in which the solution includes an ionic compound, and the ionic compound includes a metal cation. An oxidation step is performed by using the conductive fiber as an anode, such that an antibacterial material produced by the solution is adhered to a surface of the conductive fiber, in which the antibacterial material includes a metal oxide.

A manufacturing method for an antibacterial fiber includes the following steps. A dipping step is performed to soak a conductive fiber in a solution, in which the solution includes an ionic compound, and the ionic compound includes a metal cation. An oxidation step is performed by using the conductive fiber as an anode, such that an antibacterial material produced by the solution is adhered to a surface of the conductive fiber, in which the antibacterial material includes a metal oxide.

The present invention concerns the creating of a fabric made from a novel effective mixture of fibers having antimicrobial properties and fibers providing thermal-regulating properties, for use in the creation of garments and other items used to aid in the health and comfort of the body part and the individual using the fabric. In a preferred embodiment a fifty-fifty mixture of brand name fibers PurThread® having antimicrobial elements, including silver, and Outlast®, having thermal-regulating properties, is made and added to additional fibers having such properties as elasticity and durability and a fabric is woven at least in part therefrom. Some objects that can be created using the prescribed mixture are socks, gloves, body suits, support hosiery and other garments as well as face masks, bedding and wound coverings all helping to deter the setting in of microbes and the thermal-regulation of the body or body part therewithin.

The present invention concerns the creating of a fabric made from a novel effective mixture of fibers having antimicrobial properties and fibers providing thermal-regulating properties, for use in the creation of garments and other items used to aid in the health and comfort of the body part and the individual using the fabric. In a preferred embodiment a fifty-fifty mixture of brand name fibers PurThread® having antimicrobial elements, including silver, and Outlast®, having thermal-regulating properties, is made and added to additional fibers having such properties as elasticity and durability and a fabric is woven at least in part therefrom. Some objects that can be created using the prescribed mixture are socks, gloves, body suits, support hosiery and other garments as well as face masks, bedding and wound coverings all helping to deter the setting in of microbes and the thermal-regulation of the body or body part therewithin.

Methods of producing composite articles and composite articles are disclosed herein. A method of producing a composite article includes providing a nonwoven fabric substrate having a surface. In some embodiments, the method may include electrospinning a nylon solution on the surface of the nonwoven fabric substrate to coat and/or impregnate the nonwoven fabric substrate with a nylon fiber.