The development of antimicrobial and filtration layered fabrics for sanitary and medical protection and fabrication technology based on metal-polymer composites

Acronym: Włókniny
No: POIR.01.01.01-00-1246/20
Program: Szybka ścieżka 5/1.1.1/2020
Financing unit: NCBR
Project leader: dr hab. inż. Wojciech Święszkowski
Function: konsorcjant
Timeframe: 10.10.2020-03.06.2023

Description

The project aims to develop technology for the multilayer nonwoven fabric production with the external layer showing antiseptic properties. This layer contains submicron particles in the polymer matrix that combines antiseptic properties of silver and copper ions, cytostatic properties of ZnO and catalytic ones of TiO₂. Additionally, the effective interactions of Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions with microbes is possible in aqueous environment provided by hydrophilic surface, containing ZnO and TiO₂ particles, strengthened by plasma or corona discharge in water.

The external composite layer of nonwoven fabrics will be deposited on hydrophobic supporting layer. The electrospinning, melt-blown and spunbond production techniques will be used for fabrication of the fabrics’ layers depending on their functions. The melt-blown method allowing for hydrophobic filtration fabrics production will be applied for the supporting layer fabrication. The internal fabrics layer will be made with the use of spunbond technology. Several options of the nonwoven fabrics are planned for different purposes. An important part of the research will be development of reliable biological tests for antiseptic properties of the nonwoven fabrics.

The production technology of variable multilayered nonwoven fabrics showing virucidal, germicidal and fungicidal properties will be the project result. The nonwoven fabrics will be utilized for personal protective equipment, antiseptic HEPA filters of different classes for application in air conditioning systems and in constructions fleece fabrics.