FUNCTIONAL TEXTILE FABRIC

Abstract

The present invention refers to a method for manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity, which can preferably have a text or image in color or black and white printed on it, which is aimed at solving the problem of impregnating and fixing a microbicidal solution in simple steps and without the use of fixing or dispersing chemicals, and in another aspect that the textile fabric may also have a predetermined digital image on the surface thereof, where the image has definition, contrast and durability of the print without neglecting or affecting the microbicidal activity on the textile substrate. Preferably, without intending to limit the scope of the invention, the functional textile woven material may be bed linens such as covers, duvets and the like, clothing, articles for hospitals or the health sector, such as face covers, the industrial sector, food or any other sector that requires contagion prevention devices.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity, the method comprising the steps of: a) impregnating or fouling including immersing a textile material in a nanoparticle material that provides microbicidal activity, where said textile material is applied at a temperature between 26 to 28° C.; subsequently passes through pressure cylinders to exert a pressure greater than 1500 kilograms per square centimeter; b) drying and fixing including subjecting the textile material to a drying chamber that includes fans and heat emission devices to maintain a temperature of no more than 50° C.

2. The method for manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity according to claim 1, wherein the method optionally comprise a pre-stamping step including a sublimation printing process, wherein first a paper print having dimensions coinciding with dimensions of the textile material, where through a calender that contains oil at a temperature between 205 and 215° C. and rotating at a speed to allows an exposure time of 3.4 m/min that transfers the heat present in the oil and shapes the image on the textile material.

3. The method for manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity according to claim 1, wherein the stamping step for natural fibers is performed by direct printing, where the textile material is subjected to a digital printing process through from a series of digital printing machines that allows the implementation of a large number of images, using color combinations such as black, yellow, magenta and cyan; subsequently, the natural fibers are subjected to a vaporization step that includes placing the fabric in an airtight space and entering hot steam with a temperature of at least 100° C. for at least 5 min to heat set the colors; and finally a wash to remove any excess color or residual material that may be present in the stamping step.

4. The method of manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity in accordance with claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle material is a composite nanomaterial comprising a nanoparticulate metal oxide support of titanium dioxide, having a surface and pores, an average diameter between 1 and 100 nm and a surface area greater than or equal to 50 m2/g; first functional groups chemically adsorbed on the surface of the support, and second functional groups physically adsorbed on the surface and pores of the support comprising herbal and/or fruit extracts.

5. The method for manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity according to claim 1, wherein the textile fiber are made of at least one of natural fibers, including wool, cotton, silk, miraguano, linen, hemp, jute, abaca, esparto, coconut, broom, ramie, sisal, sunn, henequen, maguey, at least one of artificial and synthetic fabrics, selected from acetate, alginate, cupro, modal, protein, triacetate, viscose, acrylic, chlorofiber, fluorofiber, modacrylic, polyamide or nylon, aramid, polyimide, lyocell, polylactide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbamide, polyurethane, vinyl, trivinyl, elastodiene, elastane, fiberglass, elastomultiester, elastolefin, melamine, or a combination thereof.

6. The method for manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity according to claim 1, wherein the textile fiber is made of polyester microfibers.

7. A functional textile product with microbicidal activity manufactured from the method of claim 1, the functional textile product including a composite nanomaterial comprising a nanoparticulate metal oxide support made of titanium dioxide having a surface and pores, an average diameter between 1 and 100 nm and a surface area greater than or equal to 50 m.sup.2/g; first functional groups chemically adsorbed on the surface of the support, and second functional groups physically adsorbed on the surface and pores of the support comprising herbal and/or fruit extracts.

8. The functional textile product with microbicidal activity according to claim 7, wherein said textile product includes a text or image printed in high definition and sharpness.

9. The functional textile product with microbicidal activity according to claim 7, wherein the functional textile product is reusable even and after 10 to 15 washes without soap.

10. The functional textile product with microbicidal activity according to claim 7, wherein the functional textile product is bedding product, clothing product for the health sector, or clothing product for the food sector.

11. The functional textile product with microbicidal activity according to claim 7, wherein the functional textile product is a face mask.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a mask (10) with letters printed on the functionalized textile fabric.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a mask (10) with a personalized image stamped on the functionalized textile fabric.

[0024] FIG. 3a-e show antimicrobial activity of the functional textiles of the present invention where: a) Negative control: 24 hrs.; b) Negative control: 10 days; c) 24 hour treatment; d) 48-hour treatment; and e) Treatment 10 washes with water and 48 hours of culture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention refers to a method for manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity, which preferably has a color or black and white image printed on it, which is aimed at solving the problem of impregnating and fixing a microbicidal solution in simple steps and without the use of fixing or dispersing chemicals, and in another aspect that said textile fabric may also have a predetermined digital image on its surface, where said image has characteristics of definition, contrast and durability of the printing without neglecting or affecting the microbicidal activity on the textile substrate. Preferably, without intending to limit the scope of the invention, the woven material may be bed linens such as covers, duvets and the like, clothing, articles for hospitals or the health sector, such as face masks, the food industry sector or any other sector that requires contagion prevention measures.

[0026] The invention further contemplates functional textile products obtained with the method described in detail herein, which in addition plus it allows various images or design elements in different parts of the functional textile fabric, visually improving them; highlighting that so far there are no products with these characteristics on the market. Being able to generate designs with a central image of different colors that corresponds to the surface of, for example, a mattress, a shirt, pants or any textile product for personal use, and a perimeter print on one side and with the same or different colors; designs with an engraving in any area to the extent that it has texts, graphics and engravings in the same or different color.

[0027] The textile fabric can be made of at least one of natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, silk, miraguano, linen, hemp, jute, abaca, esparto, coconut, broom, ramie, sisal, sunn, henequen, maguey. It can also be made from at least one of artificial and synthetic fabrics, selected from acetate, alginate, cupro, modal, protein, triacetate, viscose, acrylic, chlorofiber, fluorofiber, modacrylic, polyamide or nylon, aramid, polyimide, lyocell, polylactide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbamide, polyurethane, vinyl, trivinyl, elastodiene, elastane, fiberglass, elastomultiester, elastolefin, melamine, or a combination thereof. Preferably, they can be polyester microfibers.

[0028] The method for manufacturing a functional textile product with microbicidal activity is comprised of the following steps:

[0029] A first stamping step is preferred or optional for printed textile products, where said step is prior to any other treatment.

[0030] The stamping step preferably has, but is not limited to, the possibility of carrying it out in any of the following steps:

[0031] A first embodiment includes a sublimation printing process, where firstly there is a printing on paper preferably bond type and extra cellulose of 18 to 85 grams in dimensions coinciding with those of the textile fabric, where through a calender which in its interior has oil at a temperature between 205 and 215° C. and rotating at a speed that allows an exposure time of 3.4 m/min transfers the heat present in the oil and captures the image on the tissue.

[0032] Even more desired, the printing can be by digital sublimation, for which there is a system and printing of high-resolution images on woven material that employs the improved sublimation technique as described in the Mexican MX applications. 2013012016 (A) and MX 2013012017 (A).

[0033] In another embodiment, textiles made from natural fibers can undergo a direct digital printing process, where the fabric is subjected to a digital printing process through a series of digital printing machines that allows the implementation of a wide number of images, using color combinations such as black, yellow, magenta and cyan.

[0034] Particularly, the natural fibers are subjected to a vaporization step that consists of placing the fabric in an airtight space and entering hot steam with a temperature of at least 100° C., preferably at 110° C. for at least 5 min to heat set the colors.

[0035] And finally, after the vaporization step, there is a washing step, where the fabric is subjected to a washing process to remove any excess color or residual material that may be present in the printing step; during the washing step, a formulation composed of a reducing agent is used, preferably thiourea dioxide, caustic soda and a detergent, mixed with water in the following proportions: thiourea dioxide 5%, caustic soda 5% detergent 15% and water 75% where said mixture is applied at a temperature of at least 80 Celsius and in this way surplus color is removed without affecting the fabric.

Impregnation

[0036] Without intending to limit the scope of the present invention, the functional textile fabric can be absent from the stamping step, and begin with an impregnation or fouling step that consists of dipping the fabric in a nanoparticle material that gives it functionality. One of the novel aspects is that the material is applied at a temperature between 26 to 28° C., said material is preferably selected from a composite nanomaterial comprising a nanoparticulate metal oxide support, preferably titanium dioxide, which has a surface and pores, an average diameter between 1 and 100 nm and a surface area greater than or equal to 50 m.sup.2/g; first functional groups chemically adsorbed on the surface of the support, and second functional groups physically adsorbed on the surface and pores of the support comprising herbal and/or fruit extracts. The process for the preparation of this nanomaterial is widely described in the Mexican patent MX 339086. The experimental evidence presented in the Mexican patent MX 339086 fully demonstrates the antimicrobial or bactericidal activity of said nanomaterial against different agents such as viruses, bacteria and even fungi.

[0037] Once the textile fabric is submerged, it is drained by means of pressure cylinders, which are specially configured to exert a pressure preferably greater than 1500 kilograms per square centimeter, even more preferably at a pressure of 3000 kilograms per square centimeter. The combination of the temperature of application of the nanoparticulate material and the pressure of the rollers allow to maintain the stability and impregnation of the nanoparticles on the textile fabric, without the use of chemical agents such as dispersants, fixatives or penetrants.

[0038] If the textile fabric has a printed image, it will be deposited and intact on the textile surface.

Drying and Fixing

[0039] Drying and fixing consists of subjecting the functional fabric, whether stamped or not, to a drying chamber that includes the arrangement of cooling means and fluid dispersion, preferably fans configured to work between 500 to 800 rpm and heat emission media configured to maintain a temperature of no more than 50° C., preferably between 45 to 48° C. to avoid damaging the functionality of the nanoparticles. Preferably, the fluid dispersion and cooling means and the heat emission means are configured to regulate the temperature in a drying chamber, in such a way that said step can be done by regulating the temperature gradually to obtain better results. in fixing different colors that can change their hue in different conditions, without compromising the functionality of the previously impregnated particles.

[0040] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the manufacture of a surgical mask, “facial mask, mask or face mask”, that is to say, a particle filter medium designed to cover a portion of a subject's face, is foreseen it covers the nose and mouth, as well as the sides of the same, to contain the passage of the particles. It is widely known that surgical masks are also used by people in public spaces in the event of outbreaks or epidemics of diseases transmitted by the respiratory route, or when the air in a certain place is polluted. Simple surgical masks protect the user from being splashed into the mouth with body fluids, as well as from splashing or infecting other subjects. The use of a mask or face mask prevents the user from touching the nose and mouth, an action that could cause virus and bacteria transfers having had contact with a contaminated surface. Therefore, they reduce the spread of bacteria or virus-bearing particles generated by sneezing or coughing.

[0041] Therefore, the functional textile fabric with germicidal properties goes to a fabric cutting step, which consists of making a manual cut of each of the pieces that, to the desired size, or a fusion cut that consists of making the joint different faces or components. Finally, a manufacturing step that consists of sewing the different finishes.

[0042] In order to promote an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. However, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, such further alterations and modifications to the illustrated mask and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur now or in the future for a person skilled in the art to which the invention refers.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, a mask (10) is available that includes a body of generally rectangular (11) or oval shape during use, where it is made of a functional textile fabric, as has been widely described. It acts as a barrier to reduce contact with air particles, providing a breathable air supply, and it is molded to fit over a user's mouth and nose, always following the contour of the user's face. The mask (10) includes an upper portion (12) and a lower portion (13) as well as left (14) and right (15) side portions.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, a nose clip (not shown) is used to provide additional rigid fit over the wearer's nose bridge.

[0045] As shown in the same FIG. 1, a band (16) preferably of an elongated material, more preferably a textile spring and even more preferably a spring made of a polymeric material, is incorporated at an upper point and at a lower point of each one of the left side faces shing (14) and right (15) of the mask (10) by means of a seam connection (16a), preferably straight type, where there is a reinforcement through a cap of between 1.2 cm and 0.2 cm, more preferably 0.7 cm and even more preferably 0.5 cm from the band (16) used.

In a preferred embodiment, a clip or other fastener (not shown) is wound around the wearer's ear as an extension so as not to injure the wearer's skin by direct contact of the band with the wearer's skin, subsequently band (16) extends towards the front of the mask (10) to be able to be joined at the top and bottom points of each of the left (14) and right (15) sides of the mask (10). It can be seen that the band (16) must be dimensioned for the user's face and/or can be adjustable to it or at least must include some excess elastic material to provide a perfect fit with the user's head. In one of the embodiments of the invention at least the end portions (17) that extend between the top and bottom of the sides of the masks have elasticity. This elasticity of the band (16) also provides enough flexibility to adapt to a variety of a user's head sizes.

[0046] On each of the sides of the mask (10) both left (14) and right (15), more specifically in the intermediate portion of each of its upper and lower parts, preferably a fold (18) is available, more preferably pleated type which in turn has a simple hem preferably made with a seam, preferably straight of at least 1.5 cm, more preferably 1.25 cm and even more preferably 1 cm

[0047] Preferably, there is also a central pleat (not shown) in the middle part of the mask, having a configuration of at least two pleats, preferably three pleats and more preferably four pleats in a horizontal arrangement that aid in the accommodation of the nose and from the mouth of a user, promoting a bulky space in the middle part of the mask (10) that generates greater comfort.

[0048] Finally, and as a closure of the structure, the insertion of a hem (19) made of the same material of the mask where it is present, is preferably provided at the top and bottom of the mask (10), preferably double seam, preferably straight of at least 0.5 cm where it prevents the fibers from the mask from coming out during use and increases their life time, in addition to increasing comfort to the user in the area of the bridge of the nose, cheekbones and the lower part of the cheeks.

[0049] The method proposed in this specification allows to obtain functional masks with microbicidal properties, washable and with durable and sharp images or customizable texts. An example is shown in FIG. 1, which shows a text (20) arranged in an area of said mask, or FIG. 2 shows a customizable image (21) with a background of a color and design desired (22). Advantageously, the colors and functionality of the masks or any textile product obtained by the described method, last even after 10 to 15 soap-free washes.

[0050] The present example is illustrative and not limiting, as one skilled in the art will understand that there are variants that fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Example 1 Antimicrobial Activity of Functional Textile

[0051] To demonstrate the functional nature of the textile treated with the present invention, the treatment of a textile made of polyester microfibers was carried out to confer the antimicrobial or microbicidal functionality through a challenge with the microorganism Aspergillus fumigatus.

[0052] The functional textile fabric mouth masks obtained by the present invention and mouth masks of the same material without the treatment of the present invention (negative control) were sterilized by physical means, with the purpose of eliminating any contaminating microorganism. Subsequently, all the manipulations of this material were carried out in type A II biosafety cabinets to avoid contamination, and the different tests were carried out in triplicate.

[0053] Circular cutouts (1.5 cm in diameter) were taken from the functional mask and the negative control, and they were impregnated with a suspension of Aspergillus fumigatus, approximately 10,000 conidia in each, the cuttings were deposited in the center of a Petri dish of culture, with Sabauraud agar. Next, the plates with the samples of the face masks were incubated for 24 and 48 hours under controlled sterile conditions at 37° C. [FIG. 3 parts a) to d)].

[0054] The results show that the Petri culture box, containing the negative control, was completely colonized with the mycelium of Aspergillus fumigatus just 24 hours after culture, remember that the negative control corresponds to a sample of a face mask that was not treated with the present invention, and that was inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus. On the contrary, the results clearly and conclusively demonstrate that the functional textiles of the present invention show their bactericidal activity at 24 and 48 hours of culture, see FIG. 3, subsections c) and d), respectively, vs the negative control of section a).

[0055] Another challenge to which the textile or functional face mask was subjected was washing, to determine if the textile retained its antimicrobial property after washing. For this purpose, the functional mouthpieces of the present invention were first subjected to 10 cycles of washing with sterile water and drying at room temperature, then impregnated with Aspergillus fumigatus, and cultured for 48 hrs, as previously indicated.

[0056] The results clearly and conclusively demonstrate that the functional textiles of the present invention retain their bactericidal activity after 10 cycles of washing, at 48 hours of culture, as can be seen in FIG. 3, subsection e).

[0057] Notwithstanding that the foregoing description was made taking into account the preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be borne in mind by those skilled in the art that any modification in form and detail will be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The terms in which this report has been written should always be taken in a broad and non-limiting sense. The materials, shape and description of the elements will be subject to variation as long as it does not imply an alteration of the essential characteristic of the model.