SPECIALTY FABRICS HAVING ANTI-MICROBIAL, STAIN RELEASE, AND DUST RESISTANT PROPERTIES

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to specialty fabrics. Also disclosed is a coating composition, which is applied on a fabric to obtain the specialty fabric having anti-microbial, stain release and dust resistant properties. The specialty fabric is safe for the human skin, is economical, and can be successfully used in many applications like in nursing homes/hospitals, operation theatres, for preparing sports apparel, and the like.

Claims

1. A coating composition comprising a) an antimicrobial formulation in an amount in the range of 15 wt % to 30 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; b) nanoparticles in an amount in the range of 10 wt % to 20 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; c) a stain release compound in an amount in the range of 10 wt % to 50 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; and d) a dust resistant compound in an amount in the range of 20 wt % tie 50 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition, wherein said composition is applied over a fabric to obtain a specialty fabric having anti-microbial, stain release, and dust resistant properties.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coating composition comprises acetic acid in an amount in the range of 1.5 wt % to 2.5 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial formulation comprises at least one antimicrobial compound, at least one perfume and at least one alcohol.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein said antimicrobial compound is selected from the group consisting of 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene, 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene, 4-chloro-3,5-xylenol, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, 4-chloro-5,3-dimethylphenol, 4-chloro-m-xylenol, p-chloro-3,5-xylenol, p-chloro-m-xylenol, chlorocresol, chlorophene, hexachlorophene, triclosan, hydroxyquinoline sulphate, potassium hydroxyquinoline sulphate, chlorquinaldol, dequalinium chloride, di-iodohydroxyquinoline, Burow's solution, hydrogen peroxide solution, potassium permanganate solution, benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine acetate, benzalkonium chloride, cetrimide, methylbenzethonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, dofanium chloride, and domiphen bromide.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein said perfume is terpineol.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein said alcohol is at least one selected from the group consisting of ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nanoparticles are silicon nanoparticles.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stain release compound is a fluorocarbon compound.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stain release compound is C6 fluorocarbon.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dust resistant compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of polysiloxanes and derivatives thereof.

11. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dust resistant compound is silicon oil.

12. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fabric comprises fibres of at least one material selected from the group consisting of wool, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, ramie, jute, rayon, nylon, polyester, aramid, acrylic, spandex, olefin fibre, polyester viscose, polyester wool, modacrylic olefin acrylic polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylene ether, carbon fiber, vinyon, saran, vinalon, modal, sulfar, polybenzimidazole fibre, polylactic acid, lyocell, orlon, vectran, and zylonacrylonitrile.

13. A process for preparing a specialty fabric; said process comprising the following steps: a) providing a fabric selected from woven and knitted fabrics; b) subjecting said fabric to a pre-treatment to obtain a pre-treated fabric; c) providing a coating composition comprising an antimicrobial formulation in an amount in the range of 15 wt % to 30 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; nanoparticles in an amount in the range of 10 wt % to 20 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; a stain release compound in an amount in the range of 10 wt % to 50 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; and a dust resistant compound in an amount in the range of 20 wt % to 50 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; d) applying said coating composition over said pre-treated fabric at a temperature in the range of 25 C. to 50 C. to obtain a treated fabric; and e) subjecting said treated fabric to a post-treatment to obtain said specialty fabric, wherein said specialty fabric has anti-microbial, stain release, and dust resistant properties.

14. The process as claimed in claim 13, wherein said coating composition comprises acetic acid in an amount in the range of 1.5 wt % to 2.5 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition.

15. The process as claimed in claim 13, wherein in step (d) said coating composition is mixed with a predetermined amount of at least one binder and a predetermined amount of at least one finishing compound, prior to applying over said pre-treated fabric.

16. The process as claimed in claim 15, wherein said binder is acrylic copolymer.

17. The process as claimed in claim 15, wherein said finishing compound is micro-amino silicon softener.

18. The process as claimed in claim 13, wherein in step (b) said pre-treatment comprises at least operation selected from the group consisting of scouring at a temperature in the range of 55 C. to 60 C., drying at a temperature in the range of 90 C. to 160 C., heat setting on a stenter at a temperature in the range of 170 C. to 210 C., dyeing, singeing, crabbing and shearing.

19. The process as claimed in claim 13, wherein in step (e) said post-treatment comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of drying at a temperature in the range of 90 C. to 160 C., pressing and kier decatising at a temperature in the range of 100 C. to 115 C.

20. A specialty fabric having anti-microbial, stain release, and dust resistant properties prepared by the process as claimed in claim 13.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

[0048] The present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates a process for preparing a specialty fabric having anti-microbial, stain release, dust resistant and anti-pollen properties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Fabrics are generally prone to microbial growth, staining, collection of dust and pollens. This affects the quality of the fabric or poses a health threat to persons coming in contact with the fabric in the form of allergy or asthma. The present disclosure, therefore, envisages specialty fabrics that have anti-microbial, stain release, dust resistant and anti-pollen properties, and a process for preparation of such specialty fabrics.

[0051] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a coating composition, which on applying over a fabric renders the fabric with anti-microbial, stain release, dust resistant and anti-pollen properties.

[0052] The coating composition of the present disclosure comprises: [0053] a) an antimicrobial formulation in an amount in the range of 15 wt % to 30 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; [0054] b) nanoparticles in an amount in the range of 10 wt % to 20 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; [0055] c) a stain release compound in an amount in the range of 10 wt % to 50 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition; and [0056] d) a dust resistant compound in an amount in the range of 20 wt % to 50 wt % with respect to the total weight of said composition.

[0057] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure the coating composition further comprises acetic acid in an amount in the range of 1.5 wt % to 2.5 wt % with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0058] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the antimicrobial formulation comprises at least one antimicrobial compound, at least one perfume and at least one alcohol.

[0059] The antimicrobial compound is selected from the group consisting of 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene, 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene, 4-chloro-3,5-xylenol, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, 4-chloro-5,3-dimethylphenol, 4-chloro-m-xylenol, p-chloro-3,5-xylenol, p-chloro-m-xylenol, chlorocresol, chlorophene, hexachlorophene, triclosan, hydroxyquinoline sulphate, potassium hydroxyquinoline sulphate, chlorquinaldol, dequalinium chloride, di-iodohydroxyquinoline, Burow's solution, hydrogen peroxide solution, potassium permanganate solution, benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine acetate, benzalkonium chloride, cetrimide, methylbenzethonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, dofanium chloride and domiphen bromide. The antimicrobial compound is present in an amount in the range of 0.5 wt % to 1.5 wt % of the total weight of the antimicrobial formulation.

[0060] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the perfume is terpineol. The perfume is present in an amount in the range of 2 wt % to 8 wt % of the total weight of the antimicrobial formulation.

[0061] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the alcohol is at least one selected from the group consisting of ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol is present in an amount in the range of 95 wt % to 99 wt % of the total weight of the antimicrobial formulation.

[0062] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the nanoparticles are silicon nanoparticles.

[0063] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the stain release compounds are selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon compounds.

[0064] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stain release compound is C6 fluorocarbon.

[0065] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dust resistant compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of polysiloxanes and derivatives thereof.

[0066] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dust resistant compound is silicon oil.

[0067] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the fabric comprises fibres of at least one material selected from the group consisting of wool, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, ramie, jute, rayon, nylon, polyester, aramid, acrylic, spandex, olefin fibre, polyester viscose, polyester wool, modacrylic olefin acrylic polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylene ether, carbon fiber, vinyon, saran, vinalon, modal, sulfar, polybenzimidazole fibre, polylactic acid, lyocell, orlon, vectran, and zylonacrylonitrile.

[0068] The fabric can be one of a woven and a knitted fabric.

[0069] The specialty fabric of the present disclosure does not attract microbial growth, staining, and is dust resistant and pollen resistant. Some stains on the specialty fabrics of the present disclosure can be simply removed by a mechanical jerk. Other stubborn stains like coffee, tea and tomato ketchup stains can be easily removed by a simple wash leading to saving of soap and detergent requirement. The specialty fabric of the present disclosure is also safe on human skin.

[0070] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing a specialty fabric having anti-microbial, stain release, dust resistant and anti-pollen properties.

[0071] A fabric can be selected from woven and knitted fabrics. The fabric can comprise fibres of at least one material selected from the group consisting of wool, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, ramie, jute, rayon, nylon, polyester, aramid, acrylic, spandex, olefin fibre, polyester viscose, polyester wool, modacrylic olefin acrylic polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylene ether, carbon fiber, vinyon, saran, vinalon, modal, sulfar, polybenzimidazole fibre, polylactic acid, lyocell, orlon, vectran, and zylonacrylonitrile.

[0072] The fabric is then subjected to a pre-treatment to obtain a pre-treated fabric. The pre-treatment comprises at least operation selected from the group consisting of scouring, drying, heat setting on a stenter, dyeing, singeing, crabbing and shearing.

[0073] Scouring can be carried out at a temperature in the range of 55 C. to 60 C.

[0074] Drying can be carried out at a temperature in the range of 90 C to 160 C.

[0075] Heat setting on a stenter can be carried out at a temperature in the range of 170 C. to 210 C.

[0076] The coating composition for rendering the fabric with anti-microbial, stain release, and dust resistant properties is prepared. The coating composition comprises predetermined weights of an antimicrobial formulation, nanoparticles, a stain release compound, and a dust resistant compound.

[0077] The coating composition can further comprise acetic acid in an amount in the range of 1.5 wt % to 2.5 wt %.

[0078] Acetic acid facilitates proper mixing of the components of the coating composition.

[0079] This composition is then applied over the pre-treated fabric at a temperature in the range of 25 C. to 50 C. to obtain a treated fabric. The treated fabric is then subjected to a post-treatment to obtain the specialty fabric having anti-microbial, stain release, and dust resistant properties.

[0080] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the coating composition is mixed with a predetermined amount of at least one binder and a predetermined amount of at least one finishing compound, prior to applying on the pre-treated fabric.

[0081] In an embodiment, the post-treatment comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of drying at a temperature in the range of 90 C. to 160 C., pressing and kier decatising at a temperature in the range of 101 C. to 115 C.

[0082] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the process assembly for applying the coating composition on the pre-treated fabric is further described with the help of FIG. 1. Typically, the process assembly (100) comprises: a finishing tank (101), a pipe (102) connecting the finishing tank and a mangle (105), a fabric trolley (103), squeeze rollers (106) and a stenter (107) (not shown in the figure), is used.

[0083] Initially, the coating composition of the present disclosure and at least one binder are added in the finishing tank (101) along with the desired finishing compounds to obtain a mixture. The mixture goes to the mangle (105) through the pipe (102) for padding where pre-treated fabric (104) picks up the mixture. The fabric then passes through a set of squeezing rollers (106) to squeeze out the excess mixture to result in a wet treated fabric which is then passed over to the stenter (107) not shown in FIG. 1.

[0084] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the binder is an acrylic copolymer.

[0085] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the finishing compound is micro-amino silicon softener.

[0086] In an embodiment, the pickup of the mixture by the pre-treated fabric is in the range of 55% to 75%. After application of the coating composition, the wet treated fabric enters into a heating chamber of the stenter for drying the wet treated fabric to obtain a dried treated fabric. The dried treated fabric is then subjected to post-treatment (not shown in FIG. 1) to obtain the specialty fabric.

[0087] The anti-microbial, property of the specialty fabric prepared by the process of the present disclosure can last for at least 100 washing cycles, as tested by test protocol AATCC-147. The stain release and dust resistant properties of the specialty fabrics prepared by the process of the present disclosure can last for at least 50 washing cycles, as tested by test protocol AATCC-130 In-house method.

[0088] The present disclosure is further described in the light of the following laboratory experiments, which are set forth for illustration purpose only, and not to be construed for limiting the scope of the disclosure. The following experiments can be scaled up to industrial/commercial scale, and the results obtained can be extrapolated to industrial scale.

[0089] Experiments

[0090] Experiment 1a: Preparation of Coating Compositions and Specialty Fabrics

[0091] Different coating compositions were formulated and applied on fabrics, to render the fabrics with anti-microbial, stain release, dust resistant and anti-pollen properties.

[0092] Six fabrics were taken viz. Polyester/CellulosicSuiting/Shirting Fabric (A), 100% Polyester & Polyester/CellulosicPiece Dyed Suiting/Shirting Fabric (B), Polyester Wool (C), 100% WoolSuiting Fabric (D), 100% Polyester Auto textilesPiece Dyed Fabric (E), and 100% Polyester Auto textilesYarn Dyed Fabric (F). The fabrics were subjected to pre-treatinent and predetermined amounts of compositions were applied on pre-treated fabrics. After applying the coating compositions over fabrics, the fabrics were subjected to post-treatment. The details of the coating compositions used for preparing the specialty fabrics are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Formulation details of the coating composition Coating Fabric Composition A B C D E F Acetic acid (gpl) 2 2 2 2 2 2 Polysiloxane 40 40 30 35 20 15 derivative (silicon oil) (gpl) silicon 10 10 15 20 10 15 nanoparticles (gpl) Fluorocarbon 15 15 20 25 30 30 compound (C6 Fluorocarbons) (gpl) Antimicrobial 15 15 20 20 20 25 formulation (gpl) gpl = grams per litre

[0093] The constituents of the antimicrobial formulation were

TABLE-US-00002 Isopropyl alcohol 985 ml Chloroxylenol 10 g Perfume (terpineol) 5 ml

[0094] The details of the pre-treatment, treatment with the composition and post-treatment along with the process conditions are provided in Table 2.

[0095] The greige fabrics were subjected to a pre-treatment in the order: Scouring, drying, heat setting (for Polyester and Polyester blends fabrics) or crabbing (for 100% wool fabrics), singeing, scouring, drying, and optionally, shearing.

[0096] After application of compositions, the fabrics were subjected to post-treatment which includes drying, curing, first pressing (optional), keir decatising, and final pressing (using Deco fast machine) to obtain the specialty fabrics.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Process conditions for the pre-treatment and post treatment of fabrics Sr. No Process (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) Pre-treatment 1 Scouring 55-60 C. 55-60 C. 55-60 C. 55-60 C. 55-60 C. 55-60 C. 2 Drying 90-160 C. 90-160 C. 90-160 C. 90-160 C. 90-160 C. 90-160 C. 3.1 Heat 170-210 C. 170-210 C. 170-210 C. ---- 170-210 C. 170-210 C. setting on Stenter 3.2 Crabbing --- --- --- 110- C. --- --- 4 Dyeing --- Max --- ----- Max upto ----- upto 135 C. 135 C. 5 Drying ---- 90-160 C. ---- ----- 90-160 C. ----- 6 Singeing 80-120 Mtr/min 80-120 Mtr/min 89-120 Mtr/min 80-120 Mtr/min ---- ----- 7 Scouring 55-60 C. 55-60 C. 55-60 C. 55-60 C. ----- ----- 8 Drying 90-160 C. 90-160 C. 90-160 C. 90-160 C. ----- ----- 9 Shearing ---- ---- 15-30 mtr/min 15-30 mtr/min ----- ----- Post-treatment 10 Drying 90-150 C. 90-150 C. 90-150 C. 90-150 C. 90-150 C. 90-150 C. 11 Curing 170-180 C. 170-180 C. 170-180 C. 170-180 C. 170-180 C. 170-180 C. 12 1.sup.st 15-30 mtr/min 15-30 mtr/min 15-30 mtr/min 15-30 mtr/min ----- ----- pressing 13 Kier 100-115 C. 100-115 C. 100-115 C. 100-115 C. ----- ----- Decatising Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure 0.4-1.2 Bar 0.4-1.2 Bar 0.4-1.2 Bar 0.4-1.2 Bar 14 Final 15-30 mtr/min 15-30 mtr/min 15-30 mtr/min 15-30 mtr/min ----- ----- Pressing indicates data missing or illegible when filed

[0097] All the six specialty fabrics were tested for the anti-microbial, dust resistant and stain release properties.

[0098] Experiment 1b: Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity (AATCC 147-2011)

[0099] The antimicrobial activity of the specialty fabrics obtained in experiment 1a were assessed using the Test Standard: AATCC 147-2011 method. The tests were performed for specialty fabrics without a wash and after 100 washings. The washing procedure was standard 7 A of ISO 6330. Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6538 and Klebsiella pneumoniae, ATCC 4352 was used as the test culture. The test was carried out for the specialty fabrics A, B, C, E, and F. The untreated fabric was used as the control sample.

[0100] Agar was taken in six different petri dishes and was inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6538 and Klebsiella pneumoniae, ATCC 4352.

[0101] The specialty fabrics obtained in Experiment set 1 were placed on individual Petri dish. The area underneath and on the side was examined for bacteria growth. The results obtained are summarized in Table 3.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Result of the assessment of antimicrobial activity (AATCC 147) on specialty fabrics Growth Wash Zone of Under Condition Fabric Test Organism Inhibition Specimen Conclusion Test Status Original A Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass (without K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth wash) B Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth C Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth D Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth E Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth F Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth Control Staph. Aureus No zone Growth No Fails sample antibacterial activity After 100 K. Pneumoniae No zone Growth Washes A Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth B Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth C Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth D Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth E Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth F Staph. Aureus No Zone No Growth Antibacterial Pass K. Pneumoniae No Zone No Growth Control Staph. Aureus No zone Growth No Fails sample K. Pneumoniae No zone Growth antibacterial activity

[0102] The specialty fabrics prepared in Experiment set 1 exhibit antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6538 and Klebsiella pneumoniae, ATCC 4352, when tested according to AATCC 147-2011 method; whereas the untreated fabric control sample does not exhibit antimicrobial activity.

[0103] From the results it is clear that all the specialty fabrics of experiment 1a (A-F), possess antimicrobial property at initial condition (without wash) and after 100 washings. The specialty fabrics prepared in accordance with the present disclosure passes the test, when tested according to AATCC 147-2011 method.

[0104] Experiment 1c: Assessment of Stain Release Properties of Specialty Fabrics: Test Method AATCC 130

[0105] The specialty fabrics obtained in experiment set 1 were tested for stain release properties using AATCC 130 method. In this method, the specialty fabrics samples were exposed to corn oil and then laundered. Stains other than corn oil were also used. The specialty fabric samples after washing were then compared to photographic standards and rated. No pre-treater or additional stain remover used during testing. The test was performed for specialty fabrics without wash and after 50 washings. The washing procedure was in accordance with standard 7 A of ISO 6330 The results are summarized in Table 4.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Result of assessment of stain release properties of specialty fabrics (AATCC 130) Wash Condition Fabric Stain with Rating Test Status Original A Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup Original B Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup Original C Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup Original D Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup Original E Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup Original F Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup After 50 A Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Washes Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup After 50 B Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Washes Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup After 50 C Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Washes Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup After 50 D Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Washes Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup After 50 E Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Washes Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup After 50 F Soya Sauce/Corn 4/3.5/4/4/3.5 Pass Washes Oil/Tea/Coffee/Tomato ketchup

[0106] From Table 4, it is observed that specialty fabrics prepared in experiment set 1a passed the test for the stain release property.

[0107] Thus, it can be established that specialty fabrics having the coating composition of the present disclosure exhibit stain release properties, even after 50 washings.

[0108] Experiment 1d: Assessment of Dust Resistant Properties of Specialty Fabrics

[0109] The specialty fabrics obtained in experiment 1a were tested by an In-house test method of dust resistant property. In this method the sample of the specialty fabrics, A, B, C, D, E and F were cut into the size of 6 cm12 cm. 250 g fine grade dust was taken in the large poly-bag. All the specialty fabrics were immersed in the dust-filled poly-bag and the mouth of poly-bag was closed. The hag was thoroughly rotated so that fabrics are covered in the dust. The fabric samples were taken out and were jerked 5 times in air to remove lightly bound dust by force. The specialty fabric samples were then put under a light source for rating against a grey scale. The grading is given in Table 5.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Results for dust resistant properties of specialty fabrics Wash Condition Formulation Rating Test Status Original A 4.0 Pass Original B 4.0 Pass Original C 4.0 Pass Original D 3.5 Pass Original E 3.5 Pass Original F 3.5 Pass After 50 Washes A 4.0 Pass After 50 Washes B 4.0 Pass After 50 Washes C 4.0 Pass After 50 Washes D 3.5 Pass After 50 Washes E 3.5 Pass After 50 Washes F 3.5 Pass

[0110] The visual assessment was as follows:

TABLE-US-00007 Grade Description 5 No Dust/change in shade 4 Slightly dusty/with a little change in shade 3 Moderate Dusty with partially covering specimen surface and change in shade 2 Dusty fabric with a large area with dustiness/remarkable change in shade 1 Highly Dusty fabric/complete change in shade.

[0111] From Table 5, it is observed that specialty fabrics having the coating composition of the present disclosure exhibited a good dust resistant property.

[0112] Similar results were obtained when the specialty fabrics were exposed to pollen grains, thereby showing anti-pollen properties.

[0113] The specialty fabrics obtained in experiment set 1 were washed 100 times for testing the antimicrobial property, 50 times for testing the stain release property, and 50 times for testing dust resistant property. After all the washings, the coating composition was found to be intact on the fabric and there was no depletion of the coating composition. Thus, it was established that the coating composition is durable for at least 100 washings.

[0114] Thus, the specialty fabrics with the coating composition of the present disclosure exhibit antimicrobial, stain release, and dust resistant properties.

Technical Advances and Economical Significance

[0115] The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of specialty fabrics having anti-microbial, stain release, and dust resistant properties, that: [0116] are durable for at least 100 washings; [0117] do not alter the tone, color, hand-feel, and appearance of the fabric post-treatment; [0118] save soap and detergent as the fabric does not attract stains; and [0119] are inexpensive.

[0120] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0121] Throughout this specification the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0122] The use of the expression at least or at least one suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

[0123] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0124] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

[0125] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.