Two-component fabric with staple fibers

Abstract

An AM / AV fabric comprising a base fiber, the base fiber comprising a base polymer composition, the base polymer composition comprising a base polymer; and a short AM / AV fiber comprising an AM / AV polymer composition, the AM / AV polymer composition comprising an AM / AV polymer and an AM / AV compound. The fabric has an electrical charge and exhibits a particle efficiency of greater than 20% when measured according to the TSI 8130A test system at a face velocity of 10.5 ft / min, and a Klebsiella pneumoniae potency logarithmic reduction of greater than 1.5 as measured according to ASTM E3160 (2018).

Description

Priority declaration

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 392,674, filed on July 27, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a bicomponent fabric having antiviral and / or antimicrobial and / or anti-odor (AM / AV) properties. The fabric comprises a base fiber and an AM / AV fiber. Background Art

[0003] There is a growing interest in (polymer) fabrics with anti-odor and / or anti-viral and / or anti-microbial (AM / AV) properties. These products are used in many applications, including industrial fabrics, medical garments, masks and filtration devices.

[0004] Conventional polymer fabrics, such as olefin-based fabrics, such as polypropylene or polyethylene fabrics, are known and used in liquid and / or gas filtration applications. These fabrics are designed to filter smaller unwanted particles from various fluids, such as vapors or liquids. However, these conventional fabrics do not have AM / AV properties. Therefore, these fabrics cannot kill pathogens that may be present in the filtered fluid. In addition, olefin polymers, such as polypropylene, have relatively low melting points, which limits their use in high temperature AM / AV applications. In addition, it has been found that fabrics made from olefin polymers degrade significantly when exposed to gamma radiation, which is a conventional method for sterilizing medical fabrics.

[0005] Some AM / AV fabrics (and fibers) are also known. For example, some coarse carpet yarns and fabrics with antimicrobial properties are also known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,518 discloses antimicrobial nylon prepared in water containing zinc compounds and phosphorus compounds to form carpet fibers. The process produces nylon fibers for carpets with a denier per filament (dpf) of 18 and is prepared by conventional melt polymerization. Such carpet fibers typically have an average diameter well above 30 microns, which is generally not suitable for (fine) filtration applications.

[0006] While some references may disclose filtration fabrics and other references may disclose AM / AV fabrics, there is a need for fabrics that exhibit a synergistic combination of filtration and AM / AV performance, such as particle efficiency and flow resistance. Overview

[0007] The present disclosure relates to an AM / AV fabric comprising base fibers comprising a base polymer composition comprising a base polymer, such as polypropylene; and (greater than 20 wt%) short AM / AV fibers having a fiber length of less than 200 mm and comprising an AM / AV polymer composition, the AM / AV polymer composition comprising an AM / AV polymer, such as polyamide, and an AM / AV compound, such as zinc and / or copper; the fabric has a charge and exhibits a particle efficiency greater than 20% when measured at a face velocity of 10.5 ft / min according to the TSI 8130A test system, and the fabric exhibits a Klebsiella pneumoniae efficacy log reduction greater than 1.5 measured according to ASTM E3160 (2018). Medical products, preferably wound care products, comprising AM / AV fabrics are contemplated. The fabric may have a surface energy of less than 4 N / m, and a charge is applied by applying a voltage field to the fabric at 10 to 70 Hz. The charge may be less than 25 V and / or a voltage drop greater than 0.01 V. The AM / AV fabric may exhibit a flow resistance less than 40 mmH2O and / or may have a flow resistance of 30 g / m 2 Up to 130g / m 2 The base fibers may comprise a base polymer comprising olefins, rayon, acrylic polymers, polyester, polyester-polypropylene splittable fibers, polypropylene-polyethylene splittable fibers, polyamide-polypropylene splittable fibers, natural fibers (wood pulp), or glass fibers or combinations thereof. The base fibers and / or the AM / AV fibers may be spunlaced, needlepunched and / or hydroentangled, preferably spunlaced.

[0008] The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing an AM / AV fabric, the method comprising: intermingling short AM / AV fibers and base fibers to form a fabric web; charging the fabric web to form an AM / AV fabric; the fabric exhibits a particle efficiency greater than 20% when measured at a face speed of 10.5 ft / min according to the TSI 8130A test system, and a Klebsiella pneumoniae efficacy log reduction greater than 1.5 measured according to ASTM E3160 (2018). Charging can be achieved by applying a voltage (preferably at 10 Hz to 70 Hz) to the AM / AV fabric to form a charged AM / AV fabric. The charge can be a voltage drop of less than 25V and / or greater than 0.01V. The method may further include blowing the AM / AV polymer composition to form the AM / AV fiber; and blowing the base polymer composition to form the base fiber; wherein the blowing of the fiber achieves the intertwining. Details introduction

[0009] As mentioned above, conventional filter fabrics usually contain fibers made of olefin polymers. These fibers have been shown to be moderately effective in filtration applications. These fabrics are designed to filter smaller unwanted particles from various fluids, such as steam or liquid. However, these known fabrics have many disadvantages, the most important of which are flow resistance and the fact that they do not have "inherent (built-in)" AM / AV properties and cannot reduce or eliminate (kill) bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms. Some AM / AV fabrics (and fibers) are also known. However, these known AM / AV fibers are usually thick and very inefficient when used for (fine) filtration applications, which may be due to the thick, high denier properties of the fiber. Other AM / AV fibers are also known, such as nylon fibers. These fibers may lack the filtration performance of olefin-based fibers. In addition, it has been found that longer fibers or continuous filaments (such as in filtration applications) have performance problems.

[0010] Still further, pure AM / AV fabrics and / or other conventional filter fabrics are generally not (sufficiently) charged materials, nor are these fabrics able to absorb and / or retain charge, and thus lack the filtration benefits associated therewith. The production of these types of conventional fibers also presents additional processing and cost issues.

[0011] It has now been found that certain bicomponent fabrics can achieve an ideal combination of filtration performance (e.g., particle efficiency and flow resistance) and AM / AV performance, while still maintaining the structure and processability necessary for typical filtration applications. In some cases, base fibers and AM / AV fibers can be intertwined with each other to provide a synergistic combination of performance characteristics, such as a fabric of a synergistic combination of particle filtration efficiency (at least partially contributed by base fibers) and AM / AV effectiveness (at least partially contributed by AM / AV fibers). The use of short AM / AV fibers also contributes to the above-mentioned performance characteristics. The combination of base fibers and (short) AM / AV fibers is particularly advantageous in the filtration space where it is hoped that pathogens will not only be filtered, but also killed. (Made of or containing AM / AV compounds) AM / AV fabrics show effectiveness and filtration performance against odors, microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites or their combinations.

[0012] The inventors have now discovered that the content of staple fibers described herein (preferably as AM / AV fiber components, but also optionally as base fibers) in fabrics brings unexpected performance benefits. Staple fibers refer to and include staple fibers, cut fibers and / or short-cut fibers, and the size of the staple fibers is provided below; mentioning one includes and does not mean excluding others, for example, mentioning staple fibers does not mean excluding short-cut fibers. In some embodiments, it has been found that the shape / length of the staple fibers produces fabrics with much lower flow resistance than conventional natural fibers (when maintaining the same particle filtration rate). For example, in some cases, it has been found that the fabrics described herein show improvements in flow resistance and / or particle efficiency. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that staple fibers (relative to longer or continuous fibers) provide better arrangement and / or improved random orientation (greater randomness in fibers / mats), which contributes to these improvements. In some cases, the length of the staple fibers can be controlled so as to remove specific particle sizes or ranges (from the fluid stream) in a targeted manner.

[0013] Furthermore, conventional AM / AV fabrics / fibers generally must be charged for any charge to exist. The inventors have now discovered that using the disclosed AM / AV polymer compositions, the ability of the resulting (short) AM / AV fibers to induce charge on each other (or become charged) during the randomization process is advantageously improved (compared to the ability of long fibers to induce charge). This improvement helps increase the overall charge on the fabric (base fibers and AM / AV fibers), which beneficially improves filtration.

[0014] In addition, some conventional olefin fabrics used for filtration applications must be treated to make these fabrics more hygroscopic / hydrophilic. Advantageously, the fabrics discussed herein do not require such treatment. Therefore, these expensive processing steps can be reduced or eliminated, thereby providing significant process efficiencies. In some specific cases, and without being bound by theory, it is believed that the hygroscopic properties of some polymers (e.g., AM / AV fibers) absorb fluids and cause the AM / AV compounds to interact with the fluids to resist / combat them, thereby delaying or eliminating associated odors, fungi, microorganisms and / or viruses and promoting a healthier environment. AM / AV fabrics

[0015] The present disclosure relates to an AM / AV fabric having a synergistic combination of filtration and AM / AV properties. The AM / AV fabric comprises a (short) AM / AV fiber containing an AM / AV polymer composition (made of an AM / AV polymer composition) and a base fiber containing a base polymer composition (made of a base polymer composition), which are intertwined with each other in some cases. The AM / AV polymer composition comprises a polymer and an AM / AV compound, and the AM / AV compound contributes to the AM / AV properties of the AM / AV fiber / fabric. The AM / AV fabric is charged by applying a voltage field at 10 to 70 Hz. The synergistic combination of the base fiber and the short AM / AV fiber contributes to the above-mentioned combination of performance characteristics, such as a greater than 1.5 log reduction in Klebsiella pneumoniae efficacy and a particle filtration efficiency greater than 20% when measured at a face velocity of 10.5 ft / min according to the TSI 8130A test system. As discussed herein, the disclosed AM / AV fabric exhibits advantages over conventional fabrics (e.g., pure olefin fabrics or pure nylon fabrics) that use a single type of fiber and do not use the disclosed short fibers.

[0016] As is known in the art, staple fibers may be formed by cutting or severing longer fibers or filaments.AM / AV fabrics may be fabrics or mats or collections of fibers, and AM / AV fabrics may contain multiple layers in some cases (although single layer fabrics are contemplated).

[0017] Chopped fibers can be blended with other polymeric fibers and microfibers, glass and micro-glass fibers, other fibrillated fibers such as acrylic fibers, Lyocell and wood pulp fibers. The ratios of these blends can vary, and the fiber combination in the blend can be 0.1-100%. These filter media can be used in operating rooms, wound dressings, ventilators, cabin air filters in automobiles, aircraft, vacuum cleaners, etc.

[0018] In some cases, the AM / AV fabric comprises short (AM / AV) fibers. Short fibers, including short AM / AV fibers and short base fibers, have a fiber length of less than 200 mm, such as less than 190 mm, less than 180 mm, less than 170 mm, less than 160 mm, less than 150 mm, less than 140 mm, less than 130 mm, less than 120 mm, less than 110 mm, less than 100 mm, less than 90 mm, less than 80 mm, less than 70 mm, less than 60 mm, less than 55 mm, less than 53 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 45 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 35 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 25 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 3 mm in some embodiments. In some cases, the short AM / AV fibers may have a fiber length greater than 0.1 mm, e.g., greater than 0.5 mm, greater than 1.0 mm, greater than 3 mm, greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 15 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, greater than 30 mm, greater than 35 mm, greater than 40 mm, greater than 45 mm, greater than 50 mm, greater than 60 mm, greater than 70 mm, greater than 80 mm, or greater than 90 mm. In some cases, the short AM / AV fibers may have a length of 0.1 mm to 200 mm, e.g., 5 mm to 180 mm, 10 mm to 150 mm, 1 mm to 80 mm, 1.5 mm to 80 mm, 1.5 mm to 76 mm, 3 mm to 60 mm, 10 mm to 60 mm, 20 mm to 55 mm, 30 mm to 60 mm, 35 mm to 55 mm, or 38 mm to 51 mm. Other contemplated ranges may be formed using the above limits.

[0019] In some cases, the base fiber may also be a staple fiber. The characteristics of the AM / AV staple fibers also apply to the base staple fibers.

[0020] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric comprises staple fibers (short AM / AV fibers and / or short base fibers). For example, the AM / AV fabric may comprise greater than 1% of staple fibers, such as greater than 5%, greater than 10%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90%, based on the total amount of fibers. In terms of upper limits, the AM / AV fabric may comprise less than 100% of staple fibers, such as less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5%. It is contemplated that ranges may be formed using the above limits, and that limits and ranges may apply to short AM / AV fibers and / or short base fibers.

[0021] In some cases, the AM / AV fabric comprises base fibers according to the amounts disclosed above for short fibers, e.g., the base fibers constitute the balance (or a majority of the balance) of the AM / AV fabric. The amount of base fibers can be easily derived from the total content and the (short) AM / AV fiber content.

[0022] In some cases, in addition to short AM / AV fibers, the AM / AV fabric also includes longer AM / AV fibers and / or longer base fibers. Longer fibers may be similar in composition to their shorter forms, but may not be processed (e.g., cut) to achieve shorter fiber lengths. Longer fibers may be longer AM / AV fibers and / or (longer) base fibers. In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric includes short AM / AV fibers, short base fibers, and / or optionally longer fibers. Longer fibers may be fibers having a length greater than 200 mm in some cases.

[0023] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric comprises (short) AM / AV fibers and is free of base fibers. The AM / AV short fibers contribute, at least in part, to the performance benefits described herein.

[0024] The AM / AV fabrics exhibit surprising improvements in flow resistance (relative to conventional fabrics, such as natural fiber fabrics). In some cases, the AM / AV fabrics exhibit a flow resistance of less than 2.0 mmH2O, such as less than 1.5 mmH2O, less than 1.0 mmH2O, less than 0.75 mmH2O, less than 0.60 mmH2O, less than 0.5 mmH2O, or less than 0.35 mmH2O.

[0025] In some cases, at least some of the fibers of the AM / AV fabric are charged. In some embodiments, (short or longer) AM / AV fibers are charged, for example, they have an AM / AV fiber charge. For example, short AM / AV fibers can be charged. In some embodiments, both the base fiber and the AM / AV fiber have a certain degree of charge. For example, the fabric / fiber web can be charged during the production process, so some fibers can retain (maintain) the charge. It is known that the charge can actively contribute to the filtering performance. The way the charge is applied can vary greatly. For example, the charge can be applied by applying a voltage field to the fabric. Other techniques include needle punching, induction, etc. In some cases, this can be characterized by surface energy. For example, short AM / AV fibers can have a surface energy of less than 4N / m, such as less than 3.5N / m, less than 3N / m, less than 2.5N / m, less than 2N / m, less than 2.5N / m, less than 1.5N / m, less than 1N / m, less than 0.5N / m or less than 0.3N / m. In terms of lower limits, short AM / AV fibers can have a surface energy greater than 0.1 N / m, e.g., greater than 0.3 N / m, greater than 0.5 N / m, greater than 1 N / m, greater than 1.5 N / m, greater than 2 N / m, greater than 2.5 N / m, greater than 3 N / m, greater than 3.5 N / m, or greater than 4 N / m. These ranges and limits apply to other fibers and the fabric as a whole.

[0026] In some embodiments, a voltage field is applied at 10 Hz to 70 Hz, for example, 25 Hz to 65 Hz, 10 Hz to 50 Hz, 30 Hz to 60 Hz, 35 Hz to 55 Hz, 37 Hz to 53 Hz, 40 Hz to 50 Hz, or 42 Hz to 48 Hz. In terms of a lower limit, a voltage field can be applied at greater than 20 Hz, for example, greater than 25 Hz, greater than 30 Hz, greater than 35 Hz, greater than 40 Hz, greater than 42 Hz, greater than 45 Hz, greater than 50 Hz, or greater than 60 Hz. In terms of an upper limit, a voltage field can be applied at less than 70 Hz, for example, less than 65 Hz, less than 60 Hz, less than 55 Hz, less than 53 Hz, less than 50 Hz, less than 45 Hz, or less than 40 Hz.

[0027] Some polymers are more likely to hold a charge. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that in some embodiments, AM / AV polymer compositions that include a charge agent in some cases provide charged AM / AV fibers. In contrast, conventional AM / AV polymer compositions having, for example, the same polymer but without a charge agent, are unable to absorb and / or hold a charge. Therefore, fibers formed from these conventional polymer compositions may be less effective at filtering, e.g., they do not have the favorable filtration performance characteristics possessed by the disclosed fibers.

[0028] In some embodiments, the base fiber is charged, for example, the base fiber has a base fiber charge. Charge can be represented by a voltage drop in some cases. For example, the base fiber charge can be greater than 0.01V, for example, greater than 0.1V, greater than 0.3V, greater than 0.5V, greater than 1V, greater than 3V, greater than 5V, greater than 10V, or greater than 15V. In terms of upper limits, the base fiber charge can be less than 25V, for example, less than 20V, less than 15V, less than 11V, less than 10V, less than 7V, less than 5V, less than 3V, less than 1V, less than 0.5V, or less than 0.1V.

[0029] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fibers are (slightly) charged, e.g., the AM / AV fibers have an AM / AV fiber charge. The charge can be represented by a voltage drop in some cases. For example, the AM / AV fiber charge can be less than 20V, e.g., less than 15V, less than 11V, less than 10V, less than 7V, less than 5V, less than 3V, less than 1V, less than 0.5V, or less than 0.1V.

[0030] In terms of lower limits, the AM / AV fiber charge can be greater than 0.001 V, e.g., greater than 0.01 V, greater than 0.1 V, greater than 0.3 V, greater than 0.5 V, greater than 1 V, greater than 3 V, greater than 5 V, or greater than 10 V. In some cases, the AM / AV fibers have little or no charge. For example, the composition of the AM / AV fibers can prevent the fibers from absorbing / holding a charge.

[0031] In some cases, the base fiber charge is less than the AM / AV fiber charge. The charge difference can be greater than 10%, such as greater than 20%, greater than 30%, greater than 50%, greater than 75%, or greater than 100%, based on the charge of the base fiber. In some cases, the AM / AV fiber is uncharged and the base fiber is charged. In this case, the charge difference is 100%. The inventors have found that this charge difference surprisingly provides an improvement in filtration efficiency without adversely affecting AM / AV performance.

[0032] In some cases, the disclosed AM / AV fabrics have a charge equal to or greater than conventional fabrics comprising AM / AV fibers formed from typical AM / AV polymer compositions.

[0033] The AM / AV polymer composition (and the resulting AM / AV fiber) may include a supplementary polymer, such as (a small amount of) an olefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene or PET. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that adding a supplementary polymer to the AM / AV polymer composition may help improve processability. For example, the use of a supplementary polymer may help control "spitting" or interruptions of the polymer flow during fiber formation. In some cases, the AM / AV polymer composition may include 0.01 wt% to 10 wt% of the supplementary polymer, such as 0.05 wt% to 7 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 3 wt%, or 0.5 wt% to 2 wt%. In terms of lower limits, the AM / AV polymer composition may include more than 0.01 wt% of the supplementary polymer, such as more than 0.05 wt%, more than 0.1 wt%, more than 0.3 wt%, more than 0.5 wt%, or more than 1 wt%. In terms of upper limits, the AM / AV polymer composition may include less than 10 wt% of the supplemental polymer, eg, less than 8 wt%, less than 7 wt%, less than 5 wt%, less than 3 wt%, or less than 1 wt%.

[0034] In some cases, the AM / AV fabric comprises a base fiber comprising a polypropylene base polymer. The AM / AV fabric may further comprise an AM / AV fiber comprising an AM / AV polymer composition comprising a polyamide AM / AV polymer and an AM / AV compound containing zinc or copper or a combination thereof, and optionally a supplementary polymer comprising an olefin polymer and optionally a charging agent.

[0035] The content of AM / AV fibers and base fibers in the AM / AV fabric can vary greatly. In some cases, based on the total weight of the fabric, the fabric may include 10% to 90% by weight of base fibers, such as 25% to 75% by weight, 35% to 65% by weight, or 40% to 60% by weight. In terms of the lower limit, the fabric may include more than 10% by weight of base fibers, such as more than 25% by weight, more than 35% by weight, or more than 40% by weight. In terms of the upper limit, the fabric may include less than 90% by weight of base fibers, such as less than 75% by weight, less than 65% by weight, or less than 60% by weight.

[0036] In some cases, the fabric may contain 10% to 90% by weight of AM / AV fibers, such as 25% to 75% by weight, 35% to 65% by weight, or 40% to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric. In terms of lower limits, the fabric may contain more than 10% by weight of AM / AV fibers, such as more than 25% by weight, more than 35% by weight, or more than 40% by weight. In terms of upper limits, the fabric may contain less than 90% by weight of AM / AV fibers, such as less than 75% by weight, less than 65% by weight, or less than 60% by weight. Some or all may be short AM / AV fibers. In addition to the additional ranges / limits described above, these ranges / limits may also apply to short AM / AV fibers.

[0037] It has been found that in some embodiments, the basis weight of the fabric affects the performance characteristics. The basis weight of the AM / AV fabric can vary widely. In some cases, the fabric has a basis weight greater than 5 g / m 2 , for example, greater than 7g / m 2 , greater than 9g / m 2 , greater than 10g / m 2 , greater than 15g / m 2 , greater than 20g / m 2 , greater than 25g / m 2 , greater than 30g / m 2 , greater than 50g / m 2 , greater than 75g / m 2 , greater than 100g / m 2 Or more than 125g / m 2 As for the upper limit, the fabric may have a basis weight of less than 300 g / m 2 , for example less than 250g / m 2 Less than 200g / m 2 Less than 150g / m 2 Less than 130g / m 2 Less than 100g / m 2 Less than 75g / m 2 Less than 50g / m 2 Less than 25g / m 2 Less than 15g / m 2 Less than 10g / m 2 or less than 8g / m 2 The basis weight.

[0038] In one embodiment, the AM / AV fabric has a 2 g / m 2 Up to 40g / m 2 , for example 5g / m 2 Up to 40g / m 2 , 2g / m2 Up to 30g / m 2 , 5g / m 2 Up to 28g / m 2 , 5g / m 2 Up to 26g / m 2 , 5g / m 2 Up to 25g / m 2 , 5g / m 2 Up to 24g / m 2 , 5g / m 2 Up to 22g / m 2 、from2g / m 2 Up to 15g / m 2 , 6g / m 2 Up to 30g / m 2 , 6g / m 2 Up to 28g / m 2 , 6g / m 2 Up to 26g / m 2 , 6g / m 2 Up to 24g / m 2 , 6g / m 2 Up to 22g / m 2 , 7g / m 2 Up to 30g / m 2 , 7g / m 2 Up to 28g / m 2 , 7g / m 2 Up to 26g / m 2 , 7g / m 2 Up to 24g / m 2 , 7g / m 2 Up to 22g / m 2 , 8g / m 2 Up to 30g / m 2 , 8g / m 2 Up to 28g / m 2 , 8g / m 2 Up to 26g / m 2 , 8g / m 2 Up to 24g / m 2 , 8g / m 2 Up to 22g / m 2 , 9g / m 2 Up to 30g / m 2 , 9g / m 2 Up to 28g / m 2 , 9g / m 2 Up to 26g / m 2 , 9g / m 2 Up to 24g / m 2 , 9g / m 2 Up to 22g / m 2, 15g / m 2 Up to 25g / m 2 , or 10g / m 2 Up to 20g / m 2 The basis weight.

[0039] As a lower limit, the basis weight of the AM / AV fabric can be greater than 5 g / m 2 , for example, greater than 6g / m 2 , greater than 7g / m 2 , greater than 8g / m 2 , greater than 9g / m 2 , greater than 10g / m 2 , greater than 20g / m 2 , greater than 30g / m 2 , greater than 40g / m 2 , greater than 60g / m 2 , greater than 80g / m 2 , greater than 100g / m 2 , greater than 120g / m 2 , greater than 140g / m 2 Or more than 180g / m 2 As an upper limit, the basis weight of the AM / AV fabric may be less than 200 g / m 2 Less than 150g / m 2 Less than 100g / m 2 Less than 75g / m 2 Less than 50g / m 2 Less than 40g / m 2 Less than 35g / m 2 Less than 30g / m 2 Less than 28g / m 2 Less than 26g / m 2 Less than 25g / m 2 Less than 24g / m 2 Less than 22g / m 2 or less than 20g / m 2 In some cases, the AM / AV fabric may have a basis weight of about 8 g / m 2 , about 9g / m 2 , about 10g / m 2 , about 11g / m 2 , about 12g / m 2 , about 13g / m 2 , about 14g / m 2 , about 15g / m 2 , about 16g / m 2 , about 17g / m 2 , about 18g / m2 , about 19g / m 2 , about 20g / m 2 , about 21g / m 2 or about 22g / m 2 , or basis weights therebetween. In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric has a basis weight of 20 g / m 2 Up to 150g / m 2 , for example 30g / m 2 Up to 130g / m 2 , 40g / m 2 Up to 120g / m 2 , 50g / m 2 Up to 110g / m 2 , 60g / m 2 Up to 100g / m 2 , 70g / m 2 Up to 90g / m 2 , 80g / m 2 Up to 90g / m 2 , or 80g / m 2 Up to 85g / m 2 The basis weight.

[0040] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits antimicrobial and / or antiviral properties. In particular, the antimicrobial and / or antiviral properties may be a result of forming the AM / AV fabric from the polymer composition described herein.

[0041] The AM / AV fabrics disclosed herein provide AM / AV properties, such as pathogen-destroying properties, in addition to relying on physical filtering properties. In other words, the disclosed AM / AV fabrics not only protect by limiting pathogen invasion, they also destroy pathogens by contacting the AM / AV layer or fiber before the pathogen has a chance to enter or contact the body. The AM / AV properties are achieved (at least in part) by the composition of the fibers that make up the fabric. The fabric contains a polymer component and an AM / AV compound, such as zinc and / or copper, which is embedded in the polymer structure in some cases (but may not be a component of the polymerized copolymer). The presence of the AM / AV compound in the fiber polymer provides pathogen-destroying properties. Therefore, the disclosed article prevents the growth or spread of pathogens from contact (otherwise the pathogens will be spread). Importantly, because the AM / AV compound can be embedded in the polymer structure, the AM / AV properties are durable and not easily worn or washed off. Therefore, the AM / AV fabrics disclosed herein achieve a synergistic combination of AM / AV efficacy and filtering properties (and optional biocompatibility (e.g., irritation and sensitization) performance). In contrast, conventional configurations that do not utilize AM / AV compounds fail and are unable to provide the above synergistic combination of performance characteristics.

[0042] In some cases, the AM / AV fabrics may be particularly beneficial when used in applications where AM / AV properties are desired. Although filtering applications are disclosed above, other applications of AM / AV fabrics are contemplated. Examples of other applications include articles / products used in medical environments, such as operating rooms, wound care, ventilators; automobiles, such as cabin air filters; aircraft; and / or vacuum cleaners. Thus, the present disclosure relates to these and other applications, such as medical or wound care products, comprising AM / AV fabrics.

[0043] The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing an AM / AV fabric. The method includes the steps of intertwining AM / AV fibers (comprising an AM / AV polymer composition) and base fibers (comprising a base polymer composition) to form a fabric web. The method may further include the step of charging the fabric web to form an AM / AV fabric (which optionally has a certain degree of charge). The AM / AV fabric exhibits the above-mentioned synergistic combination of performance characteristics. The method is discussed in more detail below. In some cases, the base fibers and short AM / AV fibers are spunlaced, needle-punched and / or hydroentangled, preferably spunlaced.

[0044] The use of polyamide polymers has been shown in some cases to increase the overall hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity of AM / AV fabrics, which synergizes with the AM / AV compounds to destroy pathogens. For example, it is theorized that polymers with increased hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity may better attract liquids and / or capture media carrying microorganisms and / or viruses (e.g., from the air), and that the increased moisture content makes the polymer composition and AM / AV compound more likely to destroy, limit, reduce or inhibit the infection and / or pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms or viruses.

[0045] In some cases, hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity are advantageous in applications involving the removal of spilled oil from bodies of water. Polypropylene is commonly used to remove spilled oil, but has limitations in removing low levels of oil from bodies of water. Oil sheen caused by low levels of oil in water (about 150 ppm or less) is difficult to remove with polypropylene fabrics, such as oil-absorbing materials made from polypropylene meltblown. The hydrophobic behavior of polypropylene will repel water as well as spilled oil on the surface of the water, making it difficult to remove the last remaining amount of oil. Adding nylon fibers to articles for oil removal will attract water along with the oil on their surface, rather than repelling it, so that composite or bicomponent articles can absorb even low levels of spilled oil in these bodies of water.

[0046] The composition of fibers and fabrics is discussed in more detail herein. Also, methods of producing fibers and fabrics are discussed in more detail herein, such as spunbonding, spun lace, melt blowing, electrospinning, etc. Other production processes are contemplated, including textile spinning and weaving.

[0047] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric comprises a plurality of AM / AV fibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 50 microns, such as less than 45 microns, less than 40 microns, less than 35 microns, less than 30 microns, less than 25 microns, less than 20 microns, less than 15 microns, less than 10 microns, or less than 5 microns. In terms of lower limits, the fibers may have an average fiber diameter greater than 1 micron, such as greater than 1.5 microns, greater than 2 microns, greater than 2.5 microns, greater than 5 microns, or greater than 10 microns. In terms of ranges, the fibers may have an average fiber diameter of 1 micron to 50 microns, such as 1 micron to 45 microns, 1 micron to 40 microns, 1 micron to 35 microns, 1 micron to 30 microns, 1 micron to 20 microns, 1 micron to 15 microns, 1 micron to 10 microns, 1 micron to 5 microns, 1.5 microns to 25 microns, 1.5 microns to 20 microns, 1.5 microns to 15 microns, 1.5 microns to 10 microns, 1.5 microns to 5 microns, 2 microns to 25 microns, 2 microns to 20 microns , 2 microns to 15 microns, 2 microns to 10 microns, 2 microns to 5 microns, 2.5 microns to 25 microns, 2.5 microns to 20 microns, 2.5 microns to 15 microns, 2.5 microns to 10 microns, 2.5 microns to 5 microns, 5 microns to 45 microns, 5 microns to 40 microns, 5 microns to 35 microns, 5 microns to 30 microns, 10 microns to 45 microns, 10 microns to 40 microns, 10 microns to 35 microns, and 10 microns to 30 microns. In some cases, fibers of this size may be referred to as microfibers.

[0048] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric comprises a plurality of AM / AV fibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, such as less than 0.9 micron, less than 0.8 micron, less than 0.7 micron, less than 0.6 micron, less than 0.5 micron, less than 0.4 micron, less than 0.3 micron, less than 0.2 micron, less than 0.1 micron, less than 0.05 micron, less than 0.04 micron, or less than 0.03 micron. In terms of lower limits, the average fiber diameter of the fibers can be greater than 1 nanometer, such as greater than 10 nanometers, greater than 25 nanometers, or greater than 50 nanometers. In terms of ranges, the average fiber diameter can be from 1 nm to 1 micron, for example, from 1 nm to 0.9 micron, from 1 nm to 0.8 micron, from 1 nm to 0.7 micron, from 1 nm to 0.6 micron, from 1 nm to 0.5 micron, from 1 nm to 0.4 micron, from 1 nm to 0.3 micron, from 1 nm to 0.2 micron, from 1 nm to 0.1 micron, from 1 nm to 0.05 micron, from 1 nm to 0.04 micron, from 1 nm to 0.3 micron, from 10 nm to 1 micron, from 10 nm to 0.9 micron, from 10 nm to 0.8 micron, from 10 nm to 0.7 micron, from 10 nm to 0.6 micron, from 10 nm to 0.5 micron, from 10 nm to 0.4 micron, from 10 nm to 0.3 micron, from 10 nm to 0.2 micron, from 10 nm to 0.1 micron, from 10 nm to 0.05 micron, from 10 nm to 0.04 micron, from 10 nm to 0.03 micron , 25 nm to 1 micron, 25 nm to 0.9 micron, 25 nm to 0.8 micron, 25 nm to 0.7 micron, 25 nm to 0.6 micron, 25 nm to 0.5 micron, 25 nm to 0.4 micron, 25 nm to 0.3 micron, 25 nm to 0.2 micron, 25 nm to 0.1 micron, 25 nm to 0.05 micron, 25 nm to 0.04 micron, 25 nm to 0.03 micron, 50 nm to 1 micron, 50 nm to 0.9 micron, 50 nm to 0.8 micron, 50 nm to 0.7 micron, 50 nm to 0.6 micron, 50 nm to 0.5 micron, 50 nm to 0.4 micron, 50 nm to 0.3 micron, 50 nm to 0.2 micron, 50 nm to 0.1 micron, 50 nm to 0.05 micron, 50 nm to 0.04 micron, or 50 nm to 0.03 micron. In some cases, fibers of this size may be referred to as nanofibers.

[0049] The average fiber diameters of fibers formed from different polymers may differ from each other. For example, olefin fibers may be nanofibers and polyamide fibers may be microfibers.

[0050] In some cases, the AM / AV fabric has a thickness of 25 microns to 600 microns, for example, 25 microns to 500 microns, 25 microns to 400 microns, 35 microns to 300 microns, or 50 microns to 275 microns. In terms of upper limits, the top sheet layer can have a thickness less than 500 microns, for example, less than 400 microns, less than 300 microns, or less than 275 microns. In terms of lower limits, the top sheet layer can have a thickness greater than 25 microns, for example, greater than 35 microns, greater than 50 microns, or greater than 60 microns. Physical properties

[0051] As discussed above, the AM / AV fabric may benefit from increased hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity.

[0052] In some cases, the hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity of the AM / AV fabric can be measured by saturation. In some cases, the hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity of a given layer of the AM / AV fabric can be measured by its absorbable water amount (as a percentage of total weight). In some embodiments, the layer can absorb water greater than 1.5 wt %, for example, greater than 2.0 wt %, greater than 3.0 %, greater than 5.0 wt %, greater than 7.0 wt %, greater than 10.0 wt % or greater than 25.0 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer. In terms of scope, the hydrophilic and / or hygroscopic polymer can absorb water in an amount of 1.5 wt % to 50.0 wt %, for example, 1.5 wt % to 14.0 wt %, 1.5 wt % to 9.0 wt %, 2.0 wt % to 8 wt %, 2.0 wt % to 7 wt %, 2.5 wt % to 7 wt %, or 1.5 wt % to 25.0 wt %.

[0053] In some cases, the hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity of the AM / AV fabric can be measured by the water contact angle of the layer. The water contact angle is the angle formed by the interface of the surface of the layer (e.g., top sheet layer). Preferably, the contact angle of the layer is measured while the layer is flat (e.g., substantially flat).

[0054] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits a water contact angle of less than 90°, such as less than 85°, less than 80°, or less than 75°. In terms of lower limits, the water contact angle of the layer can be greater than 10°, such as greater than 20°, greater than 30°, or greater than 40°. In terms of ranges, the water contact angle of the layer can be 10° to 90°, such as 10° to 85°, 10° to 80°, 10° to 75°, 20° to 90°, 20° to 85°, 20° to 80°, 20° to 75°, 30° to 90°, 30° to 85°, 30° to 80°, 30° to 75°, 40° to 90°, 40° to 85°, 40° to 80°, or 40° to 75°.

[0055] As described above, the increased hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity of the AM / AV fabrics can be attributed to the polymer composition used to form the layer. The polymer compositions described herein, for example, exhibit increased hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity and are therefore particularly suitable for use in the disclosed AM / AV fabrics.

[0056] In some embodiments, the polymer may be specially prepared to impart increased hydrophilicity and / or hygroscopicity. For example, increased hygroscopicity may be achieved in the selection and / or modification of the polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer may be a conventional polymer, such as a conventional polyamide, that has been modified to increase hygroscopicity. In these embodiments, modification of the functional end groups on the polymer may increase hygroscopicity. For example, the polymer may be PA6,6 that has been modified to include functional end groups that increase hygroscopicity. AM / AV polymer compositions

[0057] As described above, the AM / AV fibers / fabrics of the present disclosure may include polymer compositions that beneficially exhibit antimicrobial and / or antiviral properties. For example, the topsheet layer and / or pad layer may be made of and / or may include the antimicrobial / antiviral polymer compositions described herein.

[0058] The polymer compositions suitable for use in the AM / AV fabrics described herein generally comprise a polymer and one or more AM / AV compounds, such as a metal (e.g., a metal compound). In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises a polymer, zinc (provided to the composition via a zinc compound) and / or phosphorus (provided to the composition via a phosphorus compound). In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises a polymer, copper (provided to the composition via a copper compound) and phosphorus (provided to the composition via a phosphorus compound).

[0059] The base polymer composition may be similar to the AM / AV polymer composition, but does not include the AM / AV compound. As discussed herein, preferred polymers for the base polymer include olefins, particularly polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0060] In some cases, the base fibers may be made of (and may include) a different polymer than the AM / AV fibers. The composition of the other fibers is not limited (except that it is different from the AM / AV fibers). For example, the other fibers may be made of (and may include) olefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, rayon, lyocell, acrylic polymers, polyester, polyester-polypropylene split fibers, polypropylene-polyethylene split fibers, polyamide-polypropylene split fibers, natural fibers (wood pulp), or glass and microglass fibers, or combinations thereof (the short AM / AV fibers may in some cases include polyamide). In one embodiment, the base polymer comprises polypropylene and the AM / AV polymer comprises polyamide.

[0061] Exemplary polymer compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 192,491, filed on March 4, 2021, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 192,533, filed on March 4, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. polymer

[0062] The polymer composition comprises a polymer that is suitable for producing fibers and fabrics in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the polymer composition comprises a polymer of 50 wt % to 100 wt %, such as 50 wt % to 99.99 wt %, 50 wt % to 99.9 wt %, 50 wt % to 99 wt %, 55 wt % to 100 wt %, 55 wt % to 99.99 wt %, 55 wt % to 99.9 wt %, 55 wt % to 99 wt %, 60 wt % to 100 wt %, 60 wt % to 99.99 wt %, 60 wt % to 99.9 wt %, 60 wt % to 99 wt %, 65 wt % to 100 wt %, 65 wt % to 99.99 wt %, 65 wt % to 99.9 wt %, or a polymer of 65 wt % to 99 wt %. In terms of upper limits, the polymer composition may include less than 100 wt % of polymer, such as less than 99.99 wt %, less than 99.9 wt % or less than 99 wt %. In terms of lower limits, the polymer composition may include greater than 50 wt % of polymer, such as greater than 55 wt %, greater than 60 wt % or greater than 65 wt %.

[0063] The polymer of the polymer composition can be very different. The polymer may include, but is not limited to, thermoplastic polymers, polyesters, nylons, rayon, polyamide 6, polyamide 6,6, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), co-PET, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polylactic acid (PLA) and polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). In some embodiments, the polymer composition may include PET due to its strength, durability during washing, durable pressing ability and ability to blend with other fibers. In some embodiments, the polymer may be PA6,6. In some cases, nylon is known to be a stronger fiber than PET and exhibits non-drip burning characteristics, which is beneficial, for example, in military or automotive textile applications, and is more hydrophilic than PET. The polymer used in the present disclosure may be a polyamide, polyetheramide, polyetherester or polyetherurethane or a mixture thereof.

[0064] In some cases, the polymer composition may include polyethylene. Suitable examples of polyethylene include linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

[0065] In some cases, the polymer composition may include polycarbonate (PC). For example, the polymer composition may include blends of polycarbonate with other polymers, such as blends of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), blends of polycarbonate and polyvinyl toluene (PC-PVT), blends of polycarbonate and polybutylene terephthalate (PC-PBT), blends of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate (PC-PET), or combinations thereof.

[0066] In some cases, the polymer composition may include polyamide. Common polyamides include nylon and aromatic polyamide. For example, the polyamide may include PA-4T / 4I; PA-4T / 6I; PA-5T / 5I; PA-6; PA6,6; PA6,6 / 6; PA6,6 / 6T; PA-6T / 6I; PA-6T / 6I / 6; PA-6T / 6; PA-6T / 6I / 66; PA-6T / MPMDT (wherein MPMDT is a polyamide based on a mixture of hexamethylenediamine and 2-methylpentamethylenediamine as a diamine component and terephthalic acid as a diacid component); PA-6T / 66; PA-6T / 610; PA-10T / 612; PA-10T / 106; PA-6T / 612; PA-6T / 10T; PA-6T / 10I; PA-9T; PA-10T; PA-12T; PA-10T / 10I; PA-10T / 12; PA-10T / 11; PA-6T / 9T; PA-6T / 12T; PA-6T / 10T / 6I; PA-6T / 6I / 6; PA-6T / 61 / 12; and copolymers, blends, mixtures and / or other combinations thereof. Additional suitable polyamides, additives and other components are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 003,528.

[0067] In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer, polyester, nylon, rayon, polyamide, polyamide, polyolefin, polyolefin terephthalate, polyolefin terephthalate glycol, co-PET, or polylactic acid, or a combination thereof.

[0068] The polymer composition may comprise a combination of polyamides in some embodiments. By combining various polyamides, the final composition will be able to combine the desirable properties of each component polyamide, such as mechanical properties. For example, in some embodiments, the polyamide comprises a combination of PA-6, PA6,6, and PA6,6 / 6T. In these embodiments, the polyamide may comprise 1 wt % to 99 wt % PA-6, 30 wt % to 99 wt % PA6,6, and 1 wt % to 99 wt % PA6,6 / 6T. In some embodiments, the polyamide comprises one or more of PA-6, PA6,6, and PA6,6 / 6T. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises 6 wt % PA-6 and 94 wt % PA6,6. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises a copolymer or blend of any polyamide mentioned herein.

[0069] In some cases, the AM / AV polymer comprises a polyamide, for example, PA-66 and / or PA-6 and / or PA-6,12 and / or PA-12, and the base polymer comprises an olefin polymer, for example, polypropylene.

[0070] In addition to the AM / AV polymer, the AM / AV polymer composition may further include a supplementary polymer. It has been found that the inclusion of a supplementary polymer (even in small amounts) provides processing advantages, such as eliminating fiber forming interruptions commonly referred to as "spitting" during the processing of AM / AV fibers. The supplementary polymer may be a polymer different from the AM / AV polymer. For example, the AM / AV polymer may be a polyamide and the supplementary polymer may be a polyolefin, such as polypropylene. In some cases, the supplementary polymer and the base polymer may be the same. In other cases, the supplementary polymer and the base polymer may be different. In some embodiments, the method can be implemented by mixing or blending polypropylene and nylon together in an extruder. Polypropylene may contain additives that help enhance the ability of the polymer to hold a charge. It is expected that blending or mixing polypropylene will also reduce fiber forming interruptions.

[0071] The polymer composition may also include the polyamide made by the ring-opening polymerization or polycondensation of lactam, including copolymerization and / or co-condensation. Not limited by theory, these polyamides may include those made by propiolactam, butyrolactam, valerolactam and caprolactam. For example, in some embodiments, the polyamide is a polymer derived from the polymerization of caprolactam. In these embodiments, the polymer includes the caprolactam greater than 10 wt %, for example, greater than 15 wt %, greater than 20 wt %, greater than 25 wt %, greater than 30 wt %, greater than 35 wt %, greater than 40 wt %, greater than 45 wt %, greater than 50 wt %, greater than 55 wt % or greater than 60 wt %. In some embodiments, the polymer includes the caprolactam of 10 wt % to 60 wt %, for example, 15 wt % to 55 wt %, 20 wt % to 50 wt %, 25 wt % to 45 wt % or 30 wt % to 40 wt %. In some embodiments, the polymer comprises less than 60 wt% caprolactam, such as less than 55 wt%, less than 50 wt%, less than 45 wt%, less than 40 wt%, less than 35 wt%, less than 30 wt%, less than 25 wt%, less than 20 wt%, or less than 15 wt%. In addition, the polymer composition may comprise a polyamide made by copolymerization of lactam and nylon, such as the copolymerization product of caprolactam and PA6,6.

[0072] In some aspects, the polymer can be formed by conventional polymerization of a polymer composition, wherein an aqueous solution of at least one diamine-carboxylate salt is heated to remove water and achieve polymerization to form an antiviral nylon. This aqueous solution is preferably a mixture comprising at least one polyamide-forming salt and a specific amount of a zinc compound, a copper compound, and / or a phosphorus compound as described herein to produce a polymer composition. Conventional polyamide salts are formed by the reaction of a diamine with a dicarboxylic acid, and the resulting salt provides a monomer. In some embodiments, a preferred polyamide-forming salt is hexamethylenediamine adipate (nylon 6,6 salt) formed by the reaction of equimolar amounts of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. AM / AV (metal) compounds

[0073] As described above, the polymer composition may include one or more AM / AV compounds, which may be in the form of metal compounds. In some embodiments, the polymer composition includes zinc, such as in a zinc compound, optionally phosphorus, such as in a phosphorus compound, optionally copper, such as in a copper compound, optionally silver, such as in a silver compound, or a combination thereof. As used herein, a metal compound refers to a compound having at least one metal molecule or ion, for example, a "zinc compound" refers to a compound having at least one zinc molecule or ion.

[0074] Some conventional polymer compositions, fibers and fabrics utilize AM / AV compounds to inhibit viruses and other pathogens. For example, some fabrics may contain antimicrobial additives, such as silver, applied as a coating or as a film on the outer surface. However, it has been found that these treatments or coatings often bring many problems. For example, the coated additives may leach from the fiber / fabric during dyeing or washing, which adversely affects the antimicrobial and / or antiviral properties. With regard to conventional products, certain coatings (such as silver) may cause health and / or even environmental problems when used continuously. Compared with conventional formulations, the polymer composition disclosed herein includes a unique combination of AM / AV compounds (such as metal compounds), rather than simply applying the AM / AV compounds on the surface. In other words, the polymer composition can embed a certain amount of metal compounds in the polymer matrix so that the polymer composition maintains AM / AV properties during and after dyeing and / or washing.

[0075] In one embodiment, the AM / AV compound can be added as a masterbatch. The masterbatch can include a polyamide, such as nylon 6 or nylon 6,6. Other masterbatch compositions are contemplated.

[0076] The polymer composition may include a metal compound, such as a metal or a metal compound dispersed in the polymer composition. In one embodiment, the polymer composition includes 5wppm to 20,000wppm, such as 5wppm to 17,500wppm, 5wppm to 17,000wppm, 5wppm to 16,500wppm, 5wppm to 16,000wppm, 5wppm to 15,500wppm, 5wppm to 15,000wppm, 5wppm to 12,500wppm, 5wppm to 10,000wppm, 5wppm to 5000wppm, 5wppm to 4000wppm, such as 5wppm to 3000wppm, 5wppm to 2000wppm, 5wppm to 1000wppm, 5wppm to 500wppm, 10wppm to 20,000wppm, 10wppm to 17,500wppm, 10wppm to 17,000wppm, 10wppm to 16,500wppm, 10wppm to 16,000wppm, 10wppm to 15,500wppm, 10wppm to 15,000wppm, 10wppm to 12,500wppm, 10wppm to 10,000wppm, 10wppm to 5000wppm, 10wppm to 4000wppm, 10wppm to 3000wppm ppm, 10wppm to 2000wppm, 10wppm to 1000wppm, 10wppm to 500wppm, 50wppm to 20,000wppm, 50wppm to 17,500wppm, 50wppm to 17,000wppm, 50wppm to 16,500wppm, 50wppm to 16,000wppm, 50wppm to 15,500wppm, 50wppm to 15,000wppm, 50wppm to 12,500wppm, 50wppm to 10,000wppm, 50wppm to 5000wppm, 50wppm to wppm, 100wppm to 15,500wppm, 100wppm to 15,000wppm, 100wppm to 12,500wppm, 100wppm to 10,000wppm, 100wppm to 20,000wppm, 100wppm to 17,500wppm, 100wppm to 17,000wppm, 100wppm to 16,500wppm, 100wppm to 16,000wppm, 100wppm to 15,500wppm, 100wppm to 15,000wppm, 100wppm to 12,500wppm, 100wppm to 10,100wppm to 5000wppm, 100wppm to 4000wppm, 100wppm to 3000wppm, 100wppm to 2000wppm, 100wppm to 1000wppm, 100wppm to 500wppm, 200wppm to 20,000wppm, 200wppm to 17,500wppm, 200wppm to 17,000wppm, 200wppm to 16,500wppm, 200wppm to 16 ,000wppm, 200wppm to 15,500wppm, 200wppm to 15,000wppm, 200wppm to 12,500wppm, 200wppm to 10,000wppm, 200wppm to 5000wppm, 200wppm to 4000wppm, 200wppm to 3000wppm, 200wppm to 2000wppm, 200wppm to 1000wppm, or 200wppm to 500wppm. ,

[0077] In terms of lower limits, the polymer composition may include greater than 5wppm of metal compounds, such as greater than 10wppm, greater than 50wppm, greater than 100wppm, greater than 200wppm or greater than 300wppm. In terms of upper limits, the polymer composition may include less than 20,000wppm of metal compounds, such as less than 17,500wppm, less than 17,000wppm, less than 16,500wppm, less than 16,000wppm, less than 15,500wppm, less than 15,000wppm, less than 12,500wppm, less than 10,000wppm, less than 5000wppm, less than 4000wppm, less than 3000wppm, less than 2000wppm, less than 1000wppm or less than 500wppm. As described above, the metal compound is preferably embedded in the polymer formed by the polymer composition.

[0078] As described above, the polymer composition contains zinc in a zinc compound and phosphorus in a phosphorus compound, preferably in a specific amount in the polymer composition to provide the above-mentioned structural benefits and antiviral benefits. "Zinc compound" as used herein refers to a compound having at least one zinc molecule or ion (copper compounds are also the same). "Phosphorus compound" as used herein refers to a compound having at least one phosphorus molecule or ion. The zinc content can be represented by zinc or zinc ions (the same applies to copper). Ranges and limits can be used for zinc content and zinc ion content, as well as for other metal contents, such as copper content. Calculations based on the zinc ion content of zinc or zinc compounds can be performed by chemical technicians, and such calculations and adjustments are taken into account.

[0079] The present inventors have found that the use of a specific zinc compound (and the zinc contained therein) and a phosphorus compound (and the phosphorus contained therein) in a specific molar ratio minimizes the negative effects of the zinc compound on the polymer composition. For example, too much zinc compound in the polymer composition can lead to reduced polymer viscosity and low efficiency in the production process.

[0080] The polymer composition may include zinc, for example, in a zinc compound or as a zinc ion, for example, zinc or a zinc compound dispersed in the polymer composition. In one embodiment, the polymer composition includes 5wppm to 20,000wppm, for example, 5wppm to 17,500wppm, 5wppm to 17,000wppm, 5wppm to 16,500wppm, 5wppm to 16,000wppm, 5wppm to 15,500wppm, 5wppm to 15,000wppm, 5wppm to 12,500wppm, 5wppm to 10,000wppm, 5wppm to 5000wppm, 5wppm to 4000wppm, for example, 5wppm to 3000wppm, 5wppm to 2000wppm, 5wppm to 1000wppm, 5wppm to 500wppm, 10wppm to 20,000wppm, 10wppm to 17,500wppm, 10wppm to 17,000wppm, 10wppm to 16,500wppm, 10wppm to 16,000wppm, 10wppm to 15,500wppm, 10wppm to 15,000wppm, 10wppm to 12,500wppm, 10wppm to 10,000wppm, 10wppm to 5000wppm, 10wppm to 4000wppm, 10wppm to 3000wppm ppm, 10wppm to 2000wppm, 10wppm to 1000wppm, 10wppm to 500wppm, 50wppm to 20,000wppm, 50wppm to 17,500wppm, 50wppm to 17,000wppm, 50wppm to 16,500wppm, 50wppm to 16,000wppm, 50wppm to 15,500wppm, 50wppm to 15,000wppm, 50wppm to 12,500wppm, 50wppm to 10,000wppm, 50wppm to 5000wppm, 50wppm to wppm, 100wppm to 15,500wppm, 100wppm to 15,000wppm, 100wppm to 12,500wppm, 100wppm to 10,000wppm, 100wppm to 20,000wppm, 100wppm to 17,500wppm, 100wppm to 17,000wppm, 100wppm to 16,500wppm, 100wppm to 16,000wppm, 100wppm to 15,500wppm, 100wppm to 15,000wppm, 100wppm to 12,500wppm, 100wppm to 10,wppm, 200wppm to 17,500wppm, 200wppm to 17,000wppm, 200wppm to 16,500wppm, 200wppm to 16,000wppm, 200wppm to 15,500wppm, 200wppm to 15,000wppm, 200wppm to 12,500wppm, 200wppm to 10,000wppm, 200wppm to 50,000wppm, 200wppm to 50,000wppm, wppm, 425wppm to 600wppm, 425wppm to 525wppm, 350wppm to 600wppm, 375wppm to 600wppm, 375wppm to 525wppm, 480wppm to 600wppm, 480wppm to 525wppm, 600wppm to 750wppm, or 600wppm to 700wppm.

[0081] In terms of lower limits, the polymer composition can contain greater than 5 wppm zinc, e.g., greater than 10 wppm, greater than 50 wppm, greater than 100 wppm, greater than 200 wppm, greater than 300 wppm, greater than 350 wppm, greater than 375 wppm, greater than 400 wppm, greater than 425 wppm, greater than 480 wppm, greater than 500 wppm, or greater than 600 wppm.

[0082] In terms of upper limits, the polymer composition can comprise less than 20,000 wppm zinc, e.g., less than 17,500 wppm, less than 17,000 wppm, less than 16,500 wppm, less than 16,000 wppm, less than 15,500 wppm, less than 15,000 wppm, less than 12,500 wppm, less than 10,000 wppm, less than 5000 wppm, less than less than 4000 wppm, less than 3000 wppm, less than 2000 wppm, less than 1000 wppm, less than 500 wppm, less than 400 wppm, less than 330 wppm, less than 300. In some aspects, the zinc compound is embedded in a polymer formed from the polymer composition.

[0083] The ranges and limits apply to both elemental or ionic zinc and zinc compounds. The same is true for other ranges and limits disclosed herein for other metals, such as copper. For example, a range may relate to the amount of zinc ions dispersed in a polymer.

[0084] The zinc of the polymer composition is present in or provided by the zinc compound, and the zinc compound can be very different. The zinc compound may include zinc oxide, zinc ammonium adipate, zinc acetate, zinc ammonium carbonate, zinc stearate, zinc phenyl phosphinate (zincphenyl phosphinic acid) or 2-pyrithione zinc oxide (zinc pyrithione) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the zinc compound includes zinc oxide, zinc ammonium adipate, zinc acetate or 2-pyrithione zinc oxide (zincpyrithione) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the zinc compound includes zinc oxide, zinc stearate or zinc ammonium adipate or a combination thereof. In some aspects, zinc is provided in the form of zinc oxide. In some aspects, zinc is not provided by zinc phenyl phosphinate (zincphenyl phosphinate) and / or zinc phenyl phosphonate (zinc phenyl phosphonate).

[0085] The present inventors have also found that the polymer composition surprisingly benefits from the use of specific zinc compounds. In particular, zinc ions (e.g., Zn 2+The use of zinc compounds of the invention can improve the antiviral properties of the polymer composition. It is inferred that ionic zinc interferes with the replication cycle of the virus. For example, ionic zinc may interfere with (e.g., inhibit) viral protease or polymerase activity. Further discussion of the effects of ionic zinc on viral activity can be found in Velthuis et al., Zn Inhibits Coronavirus and Arterivirus RNA Polymerase Activity In Vitro and Zinc Ionophores Block the Replication of These Viruses in Cell Culture, PLoS Pathogens (November 2010), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] The amount of zinc compound present in the polymer composition may be discussed in terms of ionic zinc content. In one embodiment, the polymer composition comprises from 1 wppm to 30,000 wppm, e.g., from 1 wppm to 25,000 wppm, from 1 wppm to 20,000 wppm, from 1 wppm to 15,000 wppm, from 1 wppm to 10,000 wppm, from 1 wppm to 5,000 wppm, from 1 wppm to 2,500 wppm, from 50 wppm to 30,000 wppm, from 50 wppm to 25,000 wppm, 00wppm, 50wppm to 20,000wppm, 50wppm to 15,000wppm, 50wppm to 10,000wppm, 50wppm to 5,000wppm, 50wppm to 2,500wppm, 100wppm to 30,000wppm, 100wppm to 25,000wppm, 100wppm to 20,000wppm, 100wppm to 15,000wppm wppm, 100wppm to 10,000wppm, 100wppm to 5,000wppm, 100wppm to 2,500wppm, 150wppm to 30,000wppm, 150wppm to 25,000wppm, 150wppm to 20,000wppm, 150wppm to 15,000wppm, 150wppm to 10,000wppm, 150wppm to 5,0 00 wppm, 150 wppm to 2,500 wppm, 250 wppm to 30,000 wppm, 250 wppm to 25,000 wppm, 250 wppm to 20,000 wppm, 250 wppm to 15,000 wppm, 250 wppm to 10,000 wppm, 250 wppm to 5,000 wppm, or 250 wppm to 2,500 wppm. 2+ In some cases, the ranges and limits noted above for zinc may also apply to the ionic zinc content.

[0087] In some cases, the use of zinc provides processing and or end-use benefits. Other antiviral agents, such as copper or silver, can be used, but these generally include adverse effects (such as relative viscosity, toxicity, and health or environmental risks to the polymer composition). In some cases, zinc has no adverse effect on the relative viscosity of the polymer composition. In addition, unlike other antiviral agents (such as silver), zinc does not have toxicity issues (in fact, it may provide health advantages, such as immune system support). In addition, as described herein, the use of zinc can reduce or eliminate leaching into other media and / or the environment. This prevents the risks associated with introducing zinc into the environment and enables the polymer composition to be reused-compared with conventional (such as silver-containing) compositions, zinc provides a surprising "green" advantage.

[0088] As described above, the polymer composition in some embodiments comprises copper (provided via a copper compound). As used herein, "copper compound" refers to a compound having at least one copper molecule or ion. In some embodiments, the AM / AV compound comprises zinc and / or copper.

[0089] In some cases, the copper compound can improve, for example, enhance the antiviral properties of the polymer composition. In some cases, the copper compound may affect other properties of the polymer composition, such as antimicrobial activity or physical properties.

[0090] The polymer composition may include copper (e.g., in a copper compound), such as copper or a copper compound dispersed in the polymer composition. In one embodiment, the polymer composition includes 5wppm to 20,000wppm, such as 5wppm to 17,500wppm, 5wppm to 17,000wppm, 5wppm to 16,500wppm, 5wppm to 16,000wppm, 5wppm to 15,500wppm, 5wppm to 15,000wppm, 5wppm to 12,500wppm, 5wppm to 10,000wppm, 5wppm to 5000wppm, 5wppm to 4000wppm, such as 5wppm to 3000wppm, 5wppm to 2000wppm, 5wppm to 1000wppm, 5wppm to 500wppm, 5wppm to 100wppm, 5wppm to 50wppm, 5wppm to 35wppm, 10wppm to 20,000wppm, 10wppm to 17,500wppm, 10wppm to 17,000wppm, 10wppm to 16,500wppm, 10wppm to 16,000wppm, 10wppm to 15,500wppm, 10wppm to 15,000wppm, 10wppm to 12,500wppm, 10wppm to 10,000wppm, 10wppm to 15,500wppm wppm, 50wppm to 15,500wppm, 50wppm to 15,000wppm, 50wppm to 12,500wppm, 50wppm to 15,000wppm, 50wppm to 12,500wppm, 50wppm to 20,000wppm, 50wppm to 17,500wppm, 50wppm to 17,000wppm, 50wppm to 16,500wppm, 50wppm to 16,000wppm, 50wppm to 15,500wppm, 50wppm to 15,000wppm, 50wppm to 12,500wppm, 50wppm to 15,000wppm, 50wppm to 12,500wppm, 50wppm to 20,000wppm, 50wppm to 17,500wppm, 50wppm to 17,000wppm, wppm to 10,000wppm, 50wppm to 5000wppm, 50wppm to 4000wppm, 50wppm to 3000wppm, 50wppm to 2000wppm, 50wppm to 1000wppm, 50wppm to 500wppm, 100wppm to 20,000wppm, 100wppm to 17,500wppm, 100wppm to 17,000wppm, 100wppm to 16,500wppm, 100wppm to 16,000wppm, 100wppm to 15,500wppm, 100wppm to 15,100wppm to 12,500wppm, 100wppm to 10,000wppm, 100wppm to 5000wppm, 100wppm to 4000wppm, 100wppm to 3000wppm, 100wppm to 2000wppm, 100wppm to 1000wppm, 100wppm to 500wppm, 200wppm to 20,000wppm, 200wppm to 17,500wppm, 200wppm to 17,000wppm, 200wppm to wppm, 200 wppm to 2000 wppm, 200 wppm to 1000 wppm, 200 wppm to 5000 wppm, 200 wppm to 4000 wppm, 200 wppm to 3000 wppm, 200 wppm to 2000 wppm, 200 wppm to 1000 wppm, or 200 wppm to 500 wppm.

[0091] In terms of lower limits, the polymer composition may include greater than 5wppm of copper, such as greater than 10wppm, greater than 50wppm, greater than 100wppm, greater than 200wppm, or greater than 300wppm. In terms of upper limits, the polymer composition may include less than 20,000wppm of copper, such as less than 17,500wppm, less than 17,000wppm, less than 16,500wppm, less than 16,000wppm, less than 15,500wppm, less than 15,000wppm, less than 12,500wppm, less than 10,000wppm, less than 5000wppm, less than 4000wppm, less than 3000wppm, less than 2000wppm, less than 1000wppm, less than 500wppm, less than 100wppm, less than 50wppm, less than 35wppm. In some aspects, the copper compound is embedded in the polymer formed by the polymer composition.

[0092] The composition of the copper compound is not particularly limited. Suitable copper compounds include copper iodide, copper bromide, copper chloride, copper fluoride, copper oxide, copper stearate, cuprammonium adipate, copper acetate or 2-pyridine mercapto copper oxide (copper pyrithione) or a combination thereof. The copper compound may include copper oxide, cuprammonium adipate, cupric acetate, cuprammonium carbonate, copper stearate, copper phenyl phosphinic acid (copper phenyl phosphinic acid) or 2-pyridine mercapto copper oxide (copper pyrithione) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the copper compound includes copper oxide, cuprammonium adipate, cupric acetate or pyridinethione copper or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the copper compound includes copper oxide, copper stearate or cuprammonium adipate or a combination thereof. In some aspects, copper is provided in the form of copper oxide. In some aspects, copper is not provided by copper phenyl phosphinate (copper phenyl phosphinate) and / or copper phenyl phosphonate (copper phenyl phosphonate).

[0093] In some cases, the polymer composition comprises silver (optionally provided via a silver compound). As used herein, "silver compound" refers to a compound having at least one silver molecule or ion. The silver may be in ionic form. The ranges and limits for silver may be similar to those for copper (discussed above).

[0094] In one embodiment, the molar ratio of copper to zinc is greater than 0.01:1, e.g., greater than 0.05:1, greater than 0.1:1, greater than 0.15:1, greater than 0.25:1, greater than 0.5:1, or greater than 0.75:1. In terms of ranges, the molar ratio of copper to zinc in the polymer composition may be from 0.01:1 to 15:1, e.g., from 0.05:1 to 10:1, from 0.1:1 to 9:1, from 0.15:1 to 8:1, from 0.25:1 to 7:1, from 0.5:1 to 6:1, from 0.75:1 to 5:1, from 0.5:1 to 4:1, or from 0.5:1 to 3:1. In terms of upper limits, the molar ratio of zinc to copper in the polymer composition may be less than 15:1, e.g., less than 10:1, less than 9:1, less than 8:1, less than 7:1, less than 6:1, less than 5:1, less than 4:1, or less than 3:1. In some cases, the copper is incorporated with the zinc in a polymer matrix.

[0095] In some embodiments, the use of cuprous ammonium adipate has been found to be particularly effective for activating copper ions into a polymer matrix. Similarly, the use of silver ammonium adipate has been found to be particularly effective for activating silver ions into a polymer matrix. Dissolving a copper (I) or copper (II) compound in ammonium adipate has been found to be particularly effective for generating copper (I) or copper (II) ions. The same applies to dissolving an Ag (I) or Ag (III) compound in ammonium adipate to generate Ag. 1+ or Ag 3+ ion.

[0096] The polymer composition may include silver (e.g., in a silver compound), such as silver or a silver compound dispersed in the polymer composition. In one embodiment, the polymer composition includes 5wppm to 20,000wppm, such as 5wppm to 17,500wppm, 5wppm to 17,000wppm, 5wppm to 16,500wppm, 5wppm to 16,000wppm, 5wppm to 15,500wppm, 5wppm to 15,000wppm, 5wppm to 12,500wppm, 5wppm to 10,000wppm, 5wppm to 5000wppm, 5wppm to 4000wppm, such as 5wppm to 3000wppm, 5wppm to 2000wppm, 5wppm to 1000wppm, 5wppm to 500wppm, 10wppm to 20,000wppm, 10wppm to 17,500wppm, 10wppm to 17,000wppm, 10wppm to 16,500wppm, 10wppm to 16,000wppm, 10wppm to 15,500wppm, 10wppm to 15,000wppm, 10wppm to 12,500wppm, 10wppm to 10,000wppm, 10wppm to 5000wppm, 10wppm to 4000wppm, 10wppm to 3000wppm ppm, 10wppm to 2000wppm, 10wppm to 1000wppm, 10wppm to 500wppm, 50wppm to 20,000wppm, 50wppm to 17,500wppm, 50wppm to 17,000wppm, 50wppm to 16,500wppm, 50wppm to 16,000wppm, 50wppm to 15,500wppm, 50wppm to 15,000wppm, 50wppm to 12,500wppm, 50wppm to 10,000wppm, 50wppm to 5000wppm, 50wppm to wppm, 100wppm to 15,500wppm, 100wppm to 15,000wppm, 100wppm to 12,500wppm, 100wppm to 10,000wppm, 100wppm to 20,000wppm, 100wppm to 17,500wppm, 100wppm to 17,000wppm, 100wppm to 16,500wppm, 100wppm to 16,000wppm, 100wppm to 15,500wppm, 100wppm to 15,000wppm, 100wppm to 12,500wppm, 100wppm to 10,100wppm to 5000wppm, 100wppm to 4000wppm, 100wppm to 3000wppm, 100wppm to 2000wppm, 100wppm to 1000wppm, 100wppm to 500wppm, 200wppm to 20,000wppm, 200wppm to 17,500wppm, 200wppm to 17,000wppm, 200wppm to 16,500wppm, 200wppm to 16,000 wppm, 200 wppm to 15,500 wppm, 200 wppm to 15,000 wppm, 200 wppm to 12,500 wppm, 200 wppm to 10,000 wppm, 200 wppm to 5000 wppm, 200 wppm to 4000 wppm, 200 wppm to 3000 wppm, 200 wppm to 2000 wppm, 200 wppm to 1000 wppm, or 200 wppm to 500 wppm. ,

[0097] In terms of lower limits, the polymer composition may include greater than 5wppm of silver, such as greater than 10wppm, greater than 50wppm, greater than 100wppm, greater than 200wppm, or greater than 300wppm. In terms of upper limits, the polymer composition may include less than 20,000wppm of silver, such as less than 17,500wppm, less than 17,000wppm, less than 16,500wppm, less than 16,000wppm, less than 15,500wppm, less than 15,000wppm, less than 12,500wppm, less than 10,000wppm, less than 5000wppm, less than 4000wppm, less than 3000wppm, less than 2000wppm, less than 1000wppm, or less than 500wppm. In some aspects, the silver compound is embedded in the polymer formed by the polymer composition.

[0098] The composition of the silver compound is not particularly limited. Suitable silver compounds include silver iodide, silver bromide, silver chloride, silver fluoride, silver oxide, silver stearate, silver ammonium adipate, silver acetate or 2-thiopyridine silver oxide (silver pyrithione) or a combination thereof. The silver compound may include silver oxide, silver ammonium adipate, silver acetate, silver ammonium carbonate, silver stearate, silver phenyl phosphinic acid (silver phenyl phosphinic acid) or 2-thiopyridine silver oxide or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the silver compound includes silver oxide, silver ammonium adipate, silver acetate or 2-thiopyridine silver oxide or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the silver compound includes silver oxide, silver stearate or silver ammonium adipate or a combination thereof. In some aspects, silver is provided in the form of silver oxide. In some aspects, silver is not provided by silver phenyl phosphinate (silver phenyl phosphinate) and / or silver phenyl phosphonate (silver phenyl phosphonate). In some aspects, silver is provided by dissolving one or more silver compounds in ammonium adipate.

[0099] The polymer composition may include phosphorus (in a phosphorus compound), such as phosphorus or a phosphorus compound dispersed in the polymer composition. In one embodiment, the polymer composition includes 50 wppm to 10000 wppm, such as 50 wppm to 5000 wppm, 50 wppm to 2500 wppm, 50 wppm to 2000 wppm, 50 wppm to 800 wppm, 100 wppm to 750 wppm, 100 wppm to 1800 wppm, 100 wppm to 10000 wppm, 100 wppm to 5000 wppm, 100 wppm to 2500 wppm, 100 wppm to 10 ... wppm, 300wppm to 10000wppm, 300wppm to 5000wppm, 300wppm to 2500wppm, 300wppm to 500wppm, 500wppm to 10000wppm, 500wppm to 5000wppm, or 500wppm to 2500wppm. In terms of lower limits, the polymer composition may include greater than 50wppm of phosphorus, such as greater than 75wppm, greater than 100wppm, greater than 150wppm, greater than 200wppm, greater than 300wppm, or greater than 500wppm. In terms of upper limits, the polymer composition can comprise less than 10000 wppm (or 1 wt%), e.g., less than 5000 wppm, less than 2500 wppm, less than 2000 wppm, less than 1800 wppm, less than 1500 wppm, less than 1000 wppm, less than 800 wppm, less than 750 wppm, less than 500 wppm, less than 475 wppm, less than 450 wppm, less than 400 wppm, less than 350 wppm, less than 300 wppm, less than 250 wppm, less than 200 wppm, less than 150 wppm, less than 100 wppm, less than 50 wppm, less than 25 wppm, or less than 10 wppm.

[0100] In some aspects, phosphorus or a phosphorus compound is embedded in a polymer formed from the polymer composition.As described above, due to the overall composition of the disclosed compositions, low amounts (if any) of phosphorus can be used, which can provide advantageous performance results in some cases (see above).

[0101] The phosphorus of the polymer composition is present in or provided by a phosphorus compound, which can vary widely. The phosphorus compound may include bezene phosphinic acid, diphenylphosphinic acid, sodium phenylphosphinate, phosphorous acid, benzene phosphonic acid, calcium phenylphosphinate, potassium B-pentylphosphinate, methylphosphinic acid, manganese hypophosphite, sodium hypophosphite, monosodium phosphate, hypophosphorous acid, dimethylphosphinic acid, ethylphosphinic acid, diethylphosphinic acid, magnesium ethylphosphinate, triphenyl phosphite, diphenylmethyl phosphite, In some embodiments, the phosphorus compound includes phosphoric acid, phenylphosphinic acid or phenylphosphinic acid or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the phosphorus compound includes phenylphosphinic acid, phosphorous acid or manganese hypophosphite or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the phosphorus compound may include phenylphosphinic acid.

[0102] In one embodiment, the molar ratio of phosphorus to zinc is greater than 0.01:1, e.g., greater than 0.05:1, greater than 0.1:1, greater than 0.15:1, greater than 0.25:1, greater than 0.5:1, or greater than 0.75:1. In terms of ranges, the molar ratio of phosphorus to zinc in the polymer composition may be from 0.01:1 to 15:1, e.g., from 0.05:1 to 10:1, from 0.1:1 to 9:1, from 0.15:1 to 8:1, from 0.25:1 to 7:1, from 0.5:1 to 6:1, from 0.75:1 to 5:1, from 0.5:1 to 4:1, or from 0.5:1 to 3:1. In terms of upper limits, the molar ratio of zinc to phosphorus in the polymer composition may be less than 15:1, e.g., less than 10:1, less than 9:1, less than 8:1, less than 7:1, less than 6:1, less than 5:1, less than 4:1, or less than 3:1. In some cases, phosphorus is incorporated with zinc in a polymer matrix.

[0103] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of zinc to phosphorus in the polyamide composition can be greater than 1.3:1, such as greater than 1.4:1, greater than 1.5:1, greater than 1.6:1, greater than 1.7:1, greater than 1.8:1, or greater than 2:1. In terms of ranges, the weight ratio of zinc to phosphorus in the polyamide composition can be from 1.3:1 to 30:1, such as from 1.4:1 to 25:1, 1.5:1 to 20:1, 1.6:1 to 15:1, 1.8:1 to 10:1, 2:1 to 8:1, 3:1 to 7:1, or 4:1 to 6:1. In terms of upper limits, the weight ratio of zinc to phosphorus in the polyamide composition can be less than 30:1, such as less than 28:1, less than 26:1, less than 24:1, less than 22:1, less than 20:1, or less than 15:1. In some aspects, phosphorus is absent in the polyamide composition. In other aspects, very low amounts of phosphorus are present. In some cases, the phosphorus is held in a polymer matrix along with the zinc.

[0104] In an embodiment, the weight ratio of zinc to phosphorus in the polyamide composition may be less than 0.64: ​​1, e.g., less than 0.62: 1, less than 0.6: 1, e.g., less than 0.5: 1, less than 0.45: 1, less than 0.4: 1, less than 0.3: 1, or less than 0.25: 1. In terms of ranges, the weight ratio of zinc to phosphorus in the polyamide composition may be from 0.001: 1 to 0.64: ​​1, e.g., from 0.01: 1 to 0.6: 1, from 0.05: 1 to 0.5: 1, from 0.1: 1 to 0.45: 1, from 0.2: 1 to 0.4: 1, from 0.25: 1 to 0.35: 1, or from 0.2: 1 to 0.3: 1. In terms of lower limits, the weight ratio of zinc to phosphorus in the polyamide composition can be greater than 0.001:1, eg, greater than 0.005:1, greater than 0.01:1, greater than 0.05:1, greater than 0.1:1, greater than 0.15:1, or greater than 0.2:1.

[0105] In some cases, the AM / AV polymer composition further comprises a charging agent, which beneficially improves the ability of the AM / AV fiber to absorb / retain a charge. The charging agent may, in some cases, comprise a stearate, such as magnesium stearate, and / or a wax.

[0106] In some embodiments, the AM / AV polymer composition comprises 0.01 wt% to 10 wt% of a charging agent, such as 0.05 wt% to 7 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 3 wt%, 4% to 10%, 1 wt% to 5 wt%, or 0.5 wt% to 2 wt%. In terms of lower limits, the AM / AV polymer composition may comprise greater than 0.01 wt% of a charging agent, such as greater than 0.05 wt%, greater than 0.1 wt%, greater than 0.3 wt%, greater than 0.5 wt%, or greater than 1 wt%. In terms of upper limits, the AM / AV polymer composition may comprise less than 10 wt% of a charging agent, such as less than 8 wt%, less than 7 wt%, less than 5 wt%, less than 3 wt%, or less than 1 wt%.

[0107] In some embodiments, the AM / AV polymer composition comprises 0.01 wt% to 10 wt% wax, such as 0.05 wt% to 7 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 3 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 2 wt%, 1 wt% to 5 wt%, or 4% to 10%. In terms of lower limits, the AM / AV polymer composition may comprise greater than 0.01 wt% wax, such as greater than 0.05 wt%, greater than 0.1 wt%, greater than 0.3 wt%, greater than 0.5 wt%, or greater than 1 wt%. In terms of upper limits, the AM / AV polymer composition may comprise less than 10 wt% wax, such as less than 8 wt%, less than 7 wt%, less than 5 wt%, less than 3 wt%, or less than 1 wt%.

[0108] In some cases, the base polymer composition may include a charging agent in the amounts discussed with respect to the AM / AV polymer composition.

[0109] Advantageously, it has been found that the addition of the zinc compound and the phosphorus compound specified above can bring about a beneficial relative viscosity (RV) of the polymer composition. In some embodiments, the RV of the polymer composition is 2 to 150, such as 3 to 100, 5 to 80, 5 to 70, 10 to 70, 15 to 65, 20 to 60, 30 to 50, 10 to 35, 10 to 20, 5 to 35, 15 to 30, 60 to 70, 50 to 80, 40 to 50, 20 to 90, 25 to 80, 30 to 60, 5 to 30, or 15 to 32. In terms of lower limits, the RV of the polymer composition can be greater than 3, such as greater than 5, greater than 10, greater than 15, greater than 20, greater than 25, greater than 27.5, greater than 30, greater than 35, greater than 40, greater than 50, greater than 60, or greater than 70. In terms of upper limits, the RV of the polymer composition can be less than 150, e.g., less than 100, less than 90, less than 80, less than 75, less than 65, less than 60, less than 50, less than 40, or less than 35.

[0110] To calculate the RV, the polymer is dissolved in a solvent (usually formic acid or sulfuric acid), the viscosity is measured, and then the viscosity is compared to the viscosity of the pure solvent. This gives a unitless measurement. Solid fabrics as well as liquids may have a specific RV. Fibers / fabrics made from the polymer composition may also have the above relative viscosities.

[0111] It has been determined that specific amounts of zinc compounds and phosphorus compounds can be mixed in a polymer composition, such as a polyamide composition, in finely divided form, such as in the form of granules, flakes, etc., to provide a polymer composition that can be subsequently formed (e.g., extruded, molded or otherwise stretched) into various products (e.g., high-contact products, surtopsheet layers of high-contact products) by conventional methods to produce products with significantly improved antimicrobial activity. Zinc and phosphorus are used in the above amounts in the polymer composition to provide fibers with improved retention of antimicrobial activity (near permanent). Additional components

[0112] In some embodiments, the polymer composition may contain additional additives. Additives include pigments, hydrophilic or hydrophobic additives, anti-odor additives, additional antiviral agents, and antimicrobial / antifungal inorganic compounds such as copper, zinc, tin, and silver.

[0113] In some embodiments, the polymer composition can be combined with colored pigments for coloring, for fabrics or other components formed by the polymer composition. In some respects, the polymer composition can be combined with ultraviolet additives to withstand fading and degradation in fabrics exposed to significant ultraviolet rays. In some respects, the polymer composition can be combined with additives that make the fiber surface hydrophilic or hydrophobic. In some respects, the polymer composition can be combined with hygroscopic fabrics, for example, to make the fiber, fabric or other products formed therefrom more hygroscopic. In some respects, the polymer composition can be combined with additives that make fabrics flame retardant or fireproof. In some respects, the polymer composition can be combined with additives that make fabrics stain-resistant. In some respects, the polymer composition can be combined with pigments containing antimicrobial compounds to avoid the demand for conventional dyeing and disposal of dye fabrics.

[0114] In some embodiments, the polymer composition may further include additional additives. For example, the polymer composition may include a matting agent. Matting agent additives can improve the appearance and / or texture of synthetic fibers and fabrics made from the polymer composition. In some embodiments, inorganic pigment-like fabrics can be used as matting agents. The matting agent may include one or more of titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, barium titanate, zinc titanate, magnesium titanate, calcium titanate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, lithopone, zirconium dioxide, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, aluminum oxide, thorium oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide, talc, mica, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the matting agent includes titanium dioxide. It has been found that polymer compositions including matting agents containing titanium dioxide are made into synthetic fibers and fabrics that are very similar to natural fibers and fabrics, such as synthetic fibers and fabrics with improved appearance and / or texture. It is believed that titanium dioxide improves appearance and / or texture by interacting with zinc compounds, phosphorus compounds and / or functional groups in polymers.

[0115] In one embodiment, the polymer composition comprises a matting agent in an amount of 0.0001 wt % to 3 wt %, e.g., 0.0001 wt % to 2 wt %, 0.0001 to 1.75 wt %, 0.001 wt % to 3 wt %, 0.001 wt % to 2 wt %, 0.001 wt % to 1.75 wt %, 0.002 wt % to 3 wt %, 0.002 wt % to 2 wt %, 0.002 wt % to 1.75 wt %, 0.005 wt % to 3 wt %, 0.005 wt % to 2 wt %, 0.005 wt % to 1.75 wt %. In terms of upper limits, the polymer composition may comprise less than 3 wt %, e.g., less than 2.5 wt %, less than 2 wt %, or less than 1.75 wt %. In terms of lower limits, the polymer composition can include greater than 0.0001 wt % of the matting agent, eg, greater than 0.001 wt %, greater than 0.002 wt %, or greater than 0.005 wt %.

[0116] In some embodiments, the polymer composition may further comprise colored fabrics, such as carbon black, copper phthalocyanine pigment, lead chromate, iron oxide, chromium oxide, and ultramarine blue.

[0117] In some embodiments, the polymer composition may include an additional antiviral agent different from zinc. The additional antimicrobial agent may be any suitable antiviral agent. Conventional antiviral agents are known in the art and may be incorporated into the polymer composition as an additional antiviral agent. For example, the additional antiviral agent may be an entry inhibitor, a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a DNA polymerase inhibitor, an m-RNA synthesis inhibitor, a protease inhibitor, an integrase inhibitor or an immunomodulator or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the additional antimicrobial agent is added to the polymer composition.

[0118] In some embodiments, the polymer composition may include an additional antimicrobial agent other than zinc. The additional antimicrobial agent can be any suitable antimicrobial agent, such as silver, copper, and / or gold in metallic form (e.g., microparticles, alloys, and oxides), salts (e.g., sulfates, nitrates, acetates, citrates, and chlorides), and / or ionic form. In some aspects, additional additives, such as additional antimicrobial agents, are added to the polymer composition.

[0119] In some embodiments, the polymer composition (and the fibers or fabrics formed therefrom) may further comprise an antimicrobial or antiviral coating. For example, the fibers or fabrics formed from the polymer composition may include a coating of zinc nanoparticles (e.g., nanoparticles of zinc oxide, zinc ammonium adipate, zinc acetate, zinc ammonium carbonate, zinc stearate, zinc phenylphosphinate, or zinc 2-pyrithione or a combination thereof). In order to produce such a coating, the surface of the polymer composition (e.g., the surface of the fiber and / or fabric formed therefrom) may be cationized and coated layer by layer by gradually immersing the polymer composition in an anionic polyelectrolyte solution (e.g., containing poly-4-styrene sulfonic acid) and a solution containing zinc nanoparticles. Optionally, the coated polymer composition may be hydrothermally treated in a solution of NH4OH at 9°C for 24 hours to fix the zinc nanoparticles.

[0120] In some cases, the AM / AV fabrics described herein can be effective without the use or inclusion of acids, such as citric acid and / or acid treatments. Such treatments are known to cause static charge / static decay problems. Advantageously, the need for acid treatment is eliminated, thereby eliminating static charge / static decay problems associated with conventional configurations.

[0121] In some embodiments, any or some of the components disclosed herein may be considered optional. In some cases, the disclosed compositions may explicitly exclude any or some of the above-mentioned additives from this specification, such as through the wording of the claims. For example, the wording of the claims may be modified to indicate that the disclosed compositions, fabric methods, etc. do not use or do not contain one or more of the above-mentioned components, such as, for example, the disclosed fabrics do not contain zinc. As another example, the wording of the claims may be modified to indicate that the disclosed fabrics do not contain long-chain polyolefin components, such as polypropylene. Such negative limitations are contemplated, and this text serves as support for negative limitations of components, steps, and / or features.

[0122] As used herein, "greater than" and "less than" limits may also include numbers associated therewith. In other words, "greater than" and "less than" may be interpreted as "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to". It is contemplated that the wording may be subsequently modified in a claim to include "or equal to". For example, "greater than 1.0 mm" may be interpreted and subsequently modified in a claim to "greater than or equal to 1.0 mm". Performance characteristics

[0123] The performance of the AM / AV fabrics described herein can be evaluated using various conventional indices.

[0124] In some cases, the AM / AV performance relates to antifungal properties. The antifungal activity of AM / AV fabrics can be measured by the standard procedure defined by Mod. E3160. In one embodiment, the AM / AV fabric inhibits the growth (growth reduction) of Candida auris or Candida albicans by greater than 10% fungal growth, such as greater than 20%, greater than 30%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90% or greater than 93%.

[0125] Bacterial filtration efficiency (or "BFE") measures how well an AM / AV fabric captures or isolates bacteria when exposed to an aerosol containing bacteria. BFE measures the percentage of bacteria captured or isolated by an AM / AV fabric. ASTM International specifies testing with a 3.0 micron droplet size containing Staph. aureus (average size 0.6-0.8 microns).

[0126] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits a BFE of greater than 90%, e.g., greater than 92%, greater than 93%, greater than 94%, greater than 95%, greater than 97%, greater than 98%, greater than 99%, greater than 99.5%, greater than 99.9%, or greater than 99.99%. In terms of upper limits, the AM / AV fabric may exhibit a BFE of less than 100%, e.g., less than 99.999%, less than 99.995%, less than 99.99%, or less than 99.95%.

[0127] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits a BFE of about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 95.5%, about 96%, about 96.5%, about 97%, about 97.5%, about 98%, about 98.5%, about 99%, about 99.2%, about 99.3%, about 99.4%, about 99.5%, about 99.8%, about 99.9%, about 99.95%, or about 99.99%, or any percentage therebetween.

[0128] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits a particle filtration efficiency of greater than 20% (at a flow rate of 80 lpm or 65 lpm), e.g., greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, 40%, greater than 45%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90%.

[0129] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits a particle filtration efficiency greater than 20%, e.g., greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 42%, greater than 45%, greater than 50%, greater than 52%, greater than 55%, greater than 60%, greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90%, when measured according to the TSI 8130A test system at a face velocity of 10.5 ft / min.

[0130] Compared with conventional fabrics, such as natural fiber fabrics, the AM / AV fabrics show surprising improvement in flow resistance. Some exemplary filter types include HVAC and HEPA filters. In some cases, the AM / AV fabrics show a flow resistance of less than 2.0 mmH2O, such as less than 1.5 mmH2O, less than 1.0 mmH2O, less than 0.75 mmH2O, less than 0.60 mmH2O, less than 0.5 mmH2O, or less than 0.35 mmH2O. In some cases, the AM / AV fabrics show a flow resistance of less than 40 mmH2O, such as less than 35 mmH2O, less than 30 mmH2O, less than 25 mmH2O, less than 20 mmH2O, less than 15 mmH2O, or less than 10 mmH2O.

[0131] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits a relative humidity greater than 1 mm H2O / cm 2 , for example greater than 1.2 mm H2O / cm 2 , greater than 1.5mm H2O / cm 2 , greater than 2mm H2O / cm 2 or greater than 2.5 mm H2O / cm 2 of pressure drop.

[0132] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits greater than 20 cfm / ft at a diameter of at least 7 microns. 2 , for example, greater than 22 cfm / ft 2 , greater than 25cfm / ft 2 , greater than 30cfm / ft 2 , greater than 35 cfm / ft 2 , greater than 40cfm / ft 2 , greater than 45cfm / ft 2 , greater than 50cfm / ft 2 , greater than 55cfm / ft 2 or greater than 60cfm / ft 2 Air permeability.

[0133] As described above, in some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric can exhibit AM / AV activity. In some cases, the AM / AV activity can be attributed to the polymer composition used to form the AM / AV fabric or its layer / fabric or its fiber. For example, the AM / AV activity can be attributed to the formation of the AM / AV fabric by the polymer composition described herein. The fabric has the effect of combating microorganisms such as bacteria and / or viruses and / or fungi. The fabric can also have the effect of combating odor.

[0134] In some embodiments, the AM / AV fabric exhibits permanent, e.g., near-permanent AM / AV properties. In other words, the AM / AV properties of the polymer composition persist for a long time, e.g., more than one day or more days, more than one week or more weeks, more than one month or more months, or more than one year or more years.

[0135] AM / AV properties may include any antimicrobial effect. In some embodiments, for example, the antimicrobial properties of the AM / AV fabric include limiting, reducing or inhibiting infection by microorganisms, such as bacteria. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial properties of the AM / AV fabric include limiting, reducing or inhibiting bacterial growth and / or killing bacteria. In some cases, the AM / AV fabric can limit, reduce or inhibit infection and / or growth of bacteria.

[0136] The bacteria affected by the antimicrobial properties of the AM / AV fabric are not particularly limited. In some embodiments, for example, the bacterium is a Streptococcus bacterium (e.g., Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes), a Staphylococcus bacterium (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)), a Peptostreptococcus bacterium (e.g., Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Peptostreptococcus asaccharolyticus), a coli bacterium (e.g., Escherichia coli), or a Mycobacterium bacterium (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis). tuberculosis), Mycoplasma bacterium (e.g., Mycoplasma adleri, Mycoplasma agalactiae, Mycoplasma agassizii, Mycoplasma amphoriforme, Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma haemofelis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial properties include limiting, reducing or inhibiting the infection or pathogenicity mechanisms of multiple bacteria, such as a combination of two or more bacteria from the above list.

[0137] The antimicrobial activity of the AM / AV fabric can be measured by the standard procedure specified in ISO 20743:2013. This procedure measures the antimicrobial activity by determining the percentage of a given bacterium, such as Staphylococcus aureus, inhibited by the tested fiber. In one embodiment, the AM / AV fabric is 60% to 100%, for example, 60% to 99.99999%, 60% to 99.99999%, 60% to 99.99999%, 60% to 99.9999%, 60% to 99.999%, 60% to 99.999%, 60% to 99.999%, 60% to 99.99%, 60% to 99.9%, 60% to 99%, 60% to 98%, 60% to 95%, 65% to 99.9 ... 9.99999%, 65% to 99.9999%, 65% to 99.999%, 65% to 99.999%, 65% to 100%, 65% to 99.99%, 65% to 99.99%, 65% to 99%, 65% to 99%, 65% to 98%, 65% to 95%, 70% to 100%, 70% to 99.99999%, 70% to 99.99999%, 70% to 99.99999%, 70% to 99.99999%, 70% to 99.99999 %, 70% to 99.999%, 70% to 99.99%, 70% to 99.9%, 70% to 99%, 70% to 99%, 70% to 98%, 70% to 95%, 75% to 100%, 75% to 99.99%, 75% to 99.99%, 75% to 99.99999%, 75% to 99.99999%, 75% to 99.9999%, 75% to 99.9999%, 75% to 99.9999%, 75% to 99.9999%, 75% to 99.9999%, 75% to 99.9999%, 75% to 99.9999%, The invention further provides that the amount of the composition can inhibit the growth (reduction of growth) of Staphylococcus aureus by 75% to 98%, 75% to 95%, 80% to 99.99999%, 80% to 99.99999%, 80% to 99.9999%, 80% to 99.9999%, 80% to 99.9999%, 80% to 99.999%, 80% to 100%, 80% to 99.99%, 80% to 99.99%, 80% to 99%, 80% to 98%, or 80% to 95%. In terms of lower limits, the AM / AV fabric can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus by greater than 60%, for example, greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, greater than 90%, greater than 95%, greater than 98%, greater than 99%, greater than 99.9%, greater than 99.99%, greater than 99.999%, greater than 99.9999%, greater than 99.99999% or greater than 99.999999%.

[0138] Klebsiella pneumoniae efficacy can also be determined using the above test. In some embodiments, the product formed by the polymer composition inhibits the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae (reduced growth) as measured by the above test. Escherichia coli can be determined using ASTM E3160 (2018). The ranges and limits for Staphylococcus aureus also apply to Escherichia coli and / or Klebsiella pneumoniae and / or SARS-CoV-2.

[0139] Effectiveness can be characterized by log reduction. For E. coli log reduction, the composition / fiber / fabric can be measured by ASTM 3160 (2018) and can exhibit an E. coli log reduction of greater than 1.5, e.g., greater than 2.0, greater than 2.15, greater than 2.5, greater than 2.7, greater than 3.0, greater than 3.3, greater than 4.0, greater than 4.1, greater than 5.0, or greater than 6.0.

[0140] For Staphylococcus aureus log reduction, the composition / fiber / fabric may be determined by ISO 20743:2013 and may exhibit a microbial log reduction of greater than 1.5, e.g., greater than 2.0, greater than 2.5, greater than 2.7, greater than 3.0, greater than 4.0, greater than 5.0, or greater than 6.0.

[0141] For Klebsiella pneumoniae log reduction, the composition / fiber / fabric may be measured by ISO 20743:2013 and may exhibit a microbial log reduction of greater than 1.5, e.g., greater than 2.0, greater than 2.5, greater than 2.6, greater than 3.0, greater than 4.0, greater than 5.0 or greater than 6.0.

[0142] For SARS-CoV-2 log reduction, the composition / fiber / fabric can be measured by ISO 18184:2019 and can exhibit a viral log reduction of greater than 1.5, e.g., greater than 2.0, greater than 2.5, greater than 2.6, greater than 1.7, greater than 3.0, greater than 4.0, greater than 5.0, or greater than 6.0.

[0143] AM / AV properties may include any antiviral effect. In some embodiments, for example, the antiviral properties of the AM / AV fabric include limiting, reducing or inhibiting viral infection. In some embodiments, the antiviral properties of the AM / AV fabric include limiting, reducing or inhibiting viral pathogenic mechanisms. In some cases, the polymer composition can limit, reduce or inhibit viral infection and pathogenic mechanisms.

[0144] The viruses affected by the antiviral properties of the AM / AV fabric are not particularly limited. In some embodiments, for example, the virus is an adenovirus, a herpesvirus, an ebolavirus, a poxvirus, a rhinovirus, a coxsackievirus, an arterivirus, an enterovirus, a morbillivirus, a coronavirus, an influenza A virus, an avian influenza virus, a swine-origin influenza virus, or an equine influenza virus. In some embodiments, the antiviral properties include limiting, reducing, or inhibiting one of the viruses, such as the infection or pathogenicity of the viruses from the above list. In some embodiments, the antiviral properties include limiting, reducing, or inhibiting the infection or pathogenicity of multiple viruses (e.g., a combination of two or more viruses from the above list).

[0145] In some cases, the virus is a coronavirus, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (e.g., the coronavirus that causes COVID-19). In some cases, the virus is structurally related to a coronavirus.

[0146] In some cases, the virus is an influenza virus, such as influenza A, influenza B, influenza C, or influenza D, or a structurally related virus. In some cases, the virus is identified as an influenza A subtype, such as H1N1, H1N2, H2N2, H2N3, H3N1, H3N2, H3N8, H5N1, H5N2, H5N3, H5N6, H5N8, H5N9, H6N1, H7N1, H7N4, H7N7, H7N9, H9N2, or H10N7.

[0147] In some cases, the virus is a bacteriophage, such as a linear or circular single-stranded DNA virus (e.g., phi X 174 (sometimes referred to as ΦX174)), a linear or circular double-stranded DNA, a linear or circular single-stranded RNA, or a linear or circular double-stranded RNA. In some cases, the antiviral properties of the polymer composition can be measured by using a bacteriophage, such as a phi X 174 test.

[0148] In some cases, the virus is an Ebola virus, such as Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), Reston ebolavirus (RESTV), Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), Tai Forest ebolavirus ( In some cases, the virus is structurally related to the Ebola virus.

[0149] Antiviral activity can be measured by various conventional methods. For example, ISO 18184:2019 can be used to evaluate antiviral activity. In one embodiment, the AM / AV fabric is 60% to 100%, for example, 60% to 99.99999%, 60% to 99.99999%, 60% to 99.9999%, 60% to 99.9999%, 60% to 99.999%, 60% to 99.999%, 60% to 99.99%, 60% to 99.9%, 60% to 99%, 60% to 98%, 60% to 95%, 65% to 99.99999%, 65% to 99.99999%, 65% to 99.9999%, 65% to 99.999%, 65% to 99.999%, 65% to 100%, 65% to 99.99%, 65% to 99.99%, 65% to 99%, 65% to 99%, 65% to 98%, 65% to 95%, 70% to 100%, 70% to 99.99999%, 70% to 99.99999%, 70% to 99.99999%, 70% to 99.99999%, 70% to 99.99999%, 99%, 70% to 99.999%, 70% to 99.99%, 70% to 99.9%, 70% to 99%, 70% to 99%, 70% to 98%, 70% to 95%, 75% to 100%, 75% to 99.9 ... In some embodiments, the present invention relates to an amount of at least 80% to 99%, 75% to 98%, 75% to 95%, 80% to 99.99999%, 80% to 99.99999%, 80% to 99.99999%, 80% to 99.9999%, 80% to 99.9999%, 80% to 99.999%, 80% to 100%, 80% to 99.99%, 80% to 99.9%, 80% to 99%, 80% to 98%, or 80% to 95% inhibits the pathogenic mechanisms (e.g., growth) of the virus. In terms of the lower limit, the AM / AV fabric can inhibit greater than 60% of the viral pathogenic mechanisms, for example greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, greater than 90%, greater than 95%, greater than 98%, greater than 99%, greater than 99.9%, greater than 99.99%, greater than 99.999%, greater than 99.9999%, greater than 99.99999% or greater than 99.999999%.

[0150] In addition, the use of the polymer compositions disclosed herein provides biocompatibility advantages. For example, the overall softness of the above-mentioned fabrics and the composition characteristics achieve unexpected reductions in irritation and sensitization. Beneficially, the disclosed fibers and fabrics do not exhibit the biocompatibility issues associated with conventional fabrics, such as fabrics using metals with toxicity issues, such as silver. Methods of forming fibers and nonwovens

[0151] As described herein, fibers or fabrics of AM / AV fabrics are made by forming an AM / AV polymer composition into fibers and arranging the fibers to form a fabric or structure.

[0152] As described above, the method includes the step of entangling AM / AV fibers (comprising the above-mentioned AM / AV polymer composition) and base fibers (comprising the above-mentioned base polymer composition) to form a fabric web. The method may further include the step of charging the fabric web to form an AM / AV fabric (which optionally has a certain degree of charge). The AM / AV fabric exhibits the above-mentioned synergistic combination of performance characteristics.

[0153] The intertwining of the base fibers and the AM / AV fibers can be achieved in various ways. In some cases, the intertwining is achieved by molding (e.g., melt-blowing) the AM / AV polymer composition to form the AM / AV fibers and molding (e.g., melt-blowing) the base polymer composition to form the base fibers. The equipment used for fiber molding can be configured so that the fibers are directed toward each other during molding, thereby directing the fibers to intertwine.

[0154] In some cases, the AM / AV fibers are meltblown by an AM / AV device, while the base fibers are meltblown by a separate base fiber device. The two pieces of equipment may be separate from each other. In some cases, the fibers are blown into each other, which advantageously promotes intertwining of the fibers.

[0155] The charging step is particularly effective when using the disclosed AM / AV polymer composition, for example, including a charging agent. The inclusion of a charging agent can provide a higher degree of charge throughout the AM / AV fabric.

[0156] In some embodiments, a method of preparing a fiber having permanent AM / AV properties from a polyamide composition comprises preparing an aqueous monomer solution, adding less than 20,000 wppm of one or more AM / AV compounds dispersed in the aqueous monomer solution, such as less than 17,500 wppm, less than 17,000 wppm, less than 16,500 wppm, less than 16,000 wppm, less than 15,500 wppm, less than 15,000 wppm, less than 12,500 wppm, less than 10,000 wppm, less than 5000 wppm, less than less than 4000 wppm, less than 3000 wppm, less than 2000 wppm, less than 1000 wppm, or less than 500 wppm, polymerizing the aqueous monomer solution to form a polymer melt, and spinning the polymer melt to form AM / AV fibers. In this embodiment, the polyamide composition comprises the aqueous monomer solution obtained after adding the metal compound.

[0157] In some embodiments, the method includes preparing an aqueous monomer solution. The aqueous monomer solution may include amide monomers. In some embodiments, the monomer concentration in the aqueous monomer solution is less than 60 weight %, such as less than 58 weight %, less than 56.5 weight %, less than 55 weight %, less than 50 weight %, less than 45 weight %, less than 40 weight %, less than 35 weight % or less than 30 weight %. In some embodiments, the monomer concentration in the aqueous monomer solution is greater than 20 weight %, such as greater than 25 weight %, greater than 30 weight %, greater than 35 weight %, greater than 40 weight %, greater than 45 weight %, greater than 50 weight %, greater than 55 weight % or greater than 58 weight %. In some embodiments, the monomer concentration in the aqueous monomer solution is in the range of 20 weight % to 60 weight %, such as 25 weight % to 58 weight %, 30 weight % to 56.5 weight %, 35 weight % to 55 weight %, 40 weight % to 50 weight %, or 45 weight % to 55 weight %. The remainder of the aqueous monomer solution may include water and / or additional additives. In some embodiments, the monomers comprise amide monomers, including a diacid and a diamine, ie, a nylon salt.

[0158] In some embodiments, the monomer aqueous solution is a nylon salt solution. A nylon salt solution can be formed by mixing a diamine and a diacid with water. For example, water, a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid monomer are mixed to form a salt solution, such as adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine are mixed with water. In some embodiments, the diacid can be a dicarboxylic acid and can be selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, pimelic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecane dioic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, glutaconic acid, callous acid and muconic acid, 1,2- or 1,3-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, 1,2- or 1,3-phenylenedioic acid, 1,2- or 1,3-cyclohexane diacetic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, 4,4'-oxybisbenzoic acid, 4,4-benzophenone dicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, p-tert-butylisophthalic acid and 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the diamine can be selected from ethanoldiamine, trimethylenediamine, putrescine, cadaverine, hexamethylenediamine, 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine, 2-methylhexamethylenediamine, 3-methylhexamethylenediamine, 2,2-dimethylpentamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylhexamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, 2,2,4- and 2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonanediamine, isophoronediamine, undecamethylenediamine, dodecamethylenediamine, 2,2,7,7-tetramethyloctamethylenediamine, bis(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane, bis(aminomethyl)norbornane, C2-C16 aliphatic diamines optionally substituted with one or more C1 to C4 alkyl groups, aliphatic polyether diamines and furan diamines such as 2,5-bis(aminomethyl)furan, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the diacid is adipic acid and the diamine is hexamethylenediamine, which are polymerized to form PA6,6.

[0159] It should be understood that the concept of producing polyamides from diamines and diacids also includes other suitable monomers, such as the concept of amino acids or lactams. Without limiting the scope, the example of amino acids may include 6-aminocaproic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, 12-aminododecanoic acid or a combination thereof. Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the example of lactams may include caprolactam, enantholactam, lauryl lactam or a combination thereof. Suitable feeds for the method of the present disclosure may include a mixture of diamines, diacids, amino acids and lactams.

[0160] After preparing the monomer aqueous solution, a metal compound (e.g., a zinc compound, a copper compound, and / or a silver compound) is added to the monomer aqueous solution to form a polyamide composition. In some embodiments, less than 20,000 wppm of the metal compound is dispersed in the monomer aqueous solution. In some aspects, additional additives, such as additional AM / AV agents, are added to the monomer aqueous solution. Optionally, phosphorus (e.g., a phosphorus compound) is added to the monomer aqueous solution.

[0161] In some cases, the polyamide composition is polymerized using a conventional melt polymerization process. In one aspect, the aqueous monomer solution is heated under controlled conditions of time, temperature and pressure to evaporate water, achieve monomer polymerization and provide a polymer melt. In some aspects, a specific weight ratio of zinc to phosphorus can advantageously promote zinc incorporation into the polymer, reduce thermal degradation of the polymer and enhance its dyeability.

[0162] In one embodiment, nylon is prepared by conventional melt polymerization of a nylon salt. Typically, a nylon salt solution is melted under pressure (e.g., 250 psig / 1825×10 3 n / m 2 ) to a temperature of, for example, about 245° C. The water vapor is then vented by reducing the pressure to atmospheric pressure while raising the temperature to, for example, about 270° C. Zinc and optionally phosphorus are added to the nylon salt solution prior to polymerization. The resulting molten nylon is maintained at this temperature for a period of time to allow it to reach equilibrium before being extruded into fibers. In some aspects, the process can be carried out in a batch or continuous process.

[0163] In some embodiments, an AM / AV compound, such as zinc oxide, is added to the aqueous monomer solution during melt polymerization. AM / AV fibers may comprise polyamides made in a melt polymerization process rather than a masterbatch process. In some aspects, the resulting fibers have permanent AM / AV properties. The resulting fibers may be used in the topsheet layer and / or pad layer of an AM / AV fabric.

[0164] The AM / AV agent can be added to the polyamide during the melt polymerization process, for example as a masterbatch or as a powder to polyamide pellets, which can thereafter be spun to form fibers. The fibers can then be formed into a nonwoven structure.

[0165] In some aspects, the AM / AV nonwoven structure is meltblown. Meltblowing is advantageously cheaper than electrospinning. Meltblowing is a type of process developed for forming microfibers and nonwoven webs. Until recently, microfibers were produced by meltblowing. Now, nanofibers can also be formed by meltblowing. Nanofibers are formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic polymer fabric or polyamide through a plurality of small holes. The resulting molten threads or filaments enter a converging high-speed gas stream, which attenuates or stretches the filaments of the molten polyamide to reduce their diameter. Thereafter, the high-speed gas stream carries the meltblown nanofibers and deposits them on a collecting surface or forming wire to form a nonwoven web of randomly distributed meltblown nanofibers. Forming nanofibers and nonwoven webs by meltblowing is well known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,704,198; 3,755,527; 3,849,241; 3,978,185; 4,100,324; and 4,663,220.

[0166] As is well known, many manufacturing parameters of electrospinning may limit the spinning of certain fabrics. These parameters include: the charge of the spinning fabric and the spinning fabric solution; solution delivery (usually the fabric stream ejected from the ejector); the charge at the jet; the discharge of the fiber membrane at the collector; the external force from the electric field on the spinning jet; the density of the ejected jet; and the (high) voltage of the electrode and the geometry of the collector. In contrast, the above-mentioned nanofibers and products are advantageously not formed using an external electric field as the main ejection force as required in the electrospinning method. Therefore, the polyamide and any component of the spinning process are not charged. Importantly, the method / product of the present disclosure does not require the dangerous high voltages necessary in the electrospinning method. In some embodiments, the method is a non-electrospinning method and the resulting product is a non-electrospinning product made by a non-electrospinning method.

[0167] Another embodiment of making nanofiber nonwovens is to use propellant gas via spinning channel two-phase spinning or melt-blowing as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,668,854. This method includes polymer or polymer solution and pressurized propellant gas (usually air) two-phase flow to a thin preferably converging channel. The channel is usually and preferably annularly configured. It is believed that the polymer is sheared by the air flow in the thin preferably converging channel to produce polymer film layers on both sides of the channel. These polymer film layers are further sheared into nanofibers by the propellant air flow. Still can use a mobile collection belt and control the basis weight of the nanofiber nonwoven by adjusting the speed of the belt. The distance of the collector can also be used to control the fineness of the nanofiber nonwoven.

[0168] Beneficially, the use of the polyamide precursors mentioned above in the melt spinning process provides significant benefits in productivity, such as at least 5% higher, at least 10% higher, at least 20% higher, at least 30% higher, at least 40% higher. The improvement can be observed as an improvement in area per hour compared to a conventional method, such as another method that does not use the features described herein. In some cases, the output is increased over a consistent period of time. For example, in a given production period, such as 1 hour, the method of the present disclosure produces at least 5% more products than a conventional method or an electrospinning method, such as at least 10% more, at least 20% more, at least 30% more, or at least 40% more.

[0169] Another method that can be used is melt blowing. Melt blowing involves extruding the polyamide into a relatively high velocity, usually hot, gas stream. To produce suitable nanofibers, careful selection of orifice and capillary geometry and temperature is required as shown in Hassan et al., J Membrane Sci., 427, 336-344, 2013 and Ellison et al., Polymer, 48 (11), 3306-3316, 2007 and International Nonwoven Journal, Summer 2003, pp. 21-28.

[0170] U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,272 (incorporated herein by reference) discloses a fiber extrusion pack for extruding a molten fabric to form a series of nanofibers, which includes a plurality of split distribution plates arranged in a stack so that each split distribution plate forms a layer within the fiber extrusion assembly, and the features on the split distribution plates form a distribution network for delivering the molten fabric to the orifices in the fiber extrusion assembly. Each split distribution plate includes a set of plate segments, with gaps set between adjacent plate segments. The adjacent edges of the plate segments are formed to form reservoirs along the gaps, and sealing plugs are placed in the reservoirs to prevent the molten fabric from leaking from the gaps. The sealing plugs can be formed by molten fabric leaking into the gaps and collected and solidified in the reservoirs or by placing a plugging fabric in the reservoirs during assembly of the pack. This assembly can be used together with the meltblowing system described in the previously mentioned patents to manufacture nanofibers. The system and method of U.S. Pat. No. 10,041,188 (incorporated herein by reference) are also exemplary.

[0171] In one embodiment, a method for preparing an AM / AV fabric is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a (precursor) polyamide (the preparation of a monomer solution is well known), for example by preparing an aqueous monomer solution. During the precursor preparation process, a metal compound is added (as discussed herein). In some cases, the metal compound is added to (and dispersed in) the aqueous monomer solution. Phosphorus may also be added. In some cases, the precursor is polymerized to form a polyamide composition. The method further includes the steps of forming polyamide fibers and forming the AM / AV polyamide fibers into a structure. In some cases, the polyamide composition is melt-spun, spunbonded, electrospun, solution-spun, or centrifugally spun. Example

[0172] The present disclosure will be better understood based on the following non-limiting examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0173] The fabrics of Examples 1 and 2 were prepared as shown in Table 1. The fabrics contained the listed amounts of AM / AV fibers and base fibers. Comparative Example A contained only base fibers. The fibers were carded and then needle punched / spun laced and / or hydroentangled. Both Examples 1 and 2 had a 80-85 g / m 2 The basis weight. Table 1 Short AM / AV fibers, polyamide (wt%) Base fiber, polypropylene (wt%) Example 1 60 40 Example 2 70 30 Comparative Example A 0 100

[0174] The particle filtration efficiency of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples B and C was measured under uncharged and charged conditions. For the charged condition, the fabric was electret charged by moving a voltage field across the fabric on both sides at 40 Hz and 50 Hz for 30 seconds (Examples 1 and 2). Comparative Example B had the same chemical composition as Example 1 and Comparative Example C had the same chemical composition as Example 2. The difference was that Comparative Examples B and C were not charged. Particle filtration efficiency and flow resistance at 0.3 μm were tested using a TSI 8130A test system at a face velocity of 10.5 ft / min. The results are shown in Tables 2A and 2B.

[0175] As shown in Table 2A, the uncharged Comparative Examples B and C have a particle filtration efficiency of approximately 20%. The charged sample of Example 1 showed a significant increase in particle filtration efficiency measured after 5 days (approximately 55%). Such an increase was still visible after long-term measurements - approximately 48.3% after 41 days. The same increase in efficiency was also visible for the charged sample of Example 2. Overall, there was no significant performance degradation over time for Examples 1 and 2 under charged conditions (up to 41 days). Advantageously, charging had no deleterious effect on flow resistance. As shown in Table 2B, the flow resistance of Examples 1 and 2 was similar to that of Comparative Examples B and C. Table 2A Table 2B

[0176] In addition to filtration efficiency, the AM / AV performance of Examples 1 and 2 was also tested. Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example A were tested for S. aureus and K. pneumoniae efficacy according to ASTM E3160 (2018). The log reduction numbers are summarized in Table 3. A significant increase in the log reduction number was demonstrated with the incorporation of the AM / AV fabric / fiber. In contrast, Comparative Example A did not demonstrate favorable AM / AV performance at all. Thus, the examples demonstrate a synergistic combination of performance features, such as particle filtration efficiency as well as AM / AV efficacy. Table 3 Implementation

[0177] As used hereinafter, any reference to a series of embodiments is understood to be a reference to each of those embodiments individually (eg "embodiments 1-4" is understood to be "embodiment 1, 2, 3 or 4").

[0178] Embodiment 1: An AM / AV fabric comprising a base fiber comprising a base polymer composition comprising a base polymer; and a short AM / AV fiber comprising an AM / AV polymer composition comprising an AM / AV polymer and an AM / AV compound; the fabric having a charge and exhibiting a particle efficiency greater than 20% when measured according to the TSI 8130A test system at a face velocity of 10.5 ft / min, and the fabric exhibits a Klebsiella pneumoniae effectiveness log reduction of greater than 1.5 as measured according to ASTM E3160 (2018).

[0179] Embodiment 2: An embodiment of embodiment 1, wherein the short AM / AV fibers have a fiber length of less than 200 mm.

[0180] Embodiment 3: The embodiment of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the fabric comprises greater than 20 wt.% short AM / AV fibers.

[0181] Embodiment 4: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the short AM / AV fibers have a surface energy less than 4 N / m.

[0182] Embodiment 5: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the charge is applied by applying a voltage field to the fabric at 10 to 70 Hz.

[0183] Embodiment 6: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the staple AM / AV fibers comprise polyamide and the base fibers comprise olefins, rayon, acrylic polymers, polyesters, polyester-polypropylene split fibers, polypropylene-polyethylene split fibers, polyamide-polypropylene split fibers, natural fibers (wood pulp), or glass fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0184] Embodiment 7: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the AM / AV fabric exhibits a flow resistance of less than 40 mmH20.

[0185] Embodiment 8: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the base polymer comprises polypropylene and the AM / AV polymer comprises polyamide.

[0186] Embodiment 9: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the base fiber and the AM / AV fiber are spunlaced, needlepunched and / or hydroentangled, preferably spunlaced.

[0187] Embodiment 10: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the AM / AV fabric has a 30 g / m 2 Up to 130g / m 2 The basis weight.

[0188] Embodiment 11: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-10, wherein the AM / AV compound comprises zinc or copper or a combination thereof.

[0189] Embodiment 12: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-11, wherein a wound care product comprises the AM / AV fabric.

[0190] Embodiment 13: An embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the charge is a voltage drop of less than 25V.

[0191] Embodiment 14: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the charge is a voltage drop greater than 0.01V.

[0192] Embodiment 15: A method of producing an AM / AV fabric, the method comprising: entangling short AM / AV fibers comprising an AM / AV polymer composition and base fibers comprising a base polymer composition to form a fabric web; charging the fabric web to form an AM / AV fabric; the fabric exhibiting a particle efficiency greater than 20% when measured at a face speed of 10.5 ft / min according to the TSI 8130A test system, and a Klebsiella pneumoniae effectiveness log reduction of greater than 1.5 measured according to ASTM E3160 (2018).

[0193] Embodiment 16: The embodiment of embodiment 15, wherein charging is achieved by applying a voltage to the AM / AV fabric to form a charged AM / AV fabric, preferably at 10 Hz to 70 Hz.

[0194] Embodiment 17: The embodiment of any of embodiments 15 or 16, further comprising blowing the AM / AV polymer composition to form the AM / AV fiber; and blowing the base polymer composition to form the base fiber; wherein the blowing of the fiber achieves the entanglement.

[0195] Embodiment 18: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 15-17, wherein the AM / AV fabric is charged with a voltage drop of less than 25V.

[0196] Embodiment 19: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 15-18, wherein the AM / AV fabric is charged with a voltage drop greater than 0.01V.

[0197] Embodiment 20: The embodiment of any one of embodiments 15-19, wherein a wound care product comprises the AM / AV fabric.

Claims

1. An AM / AV fabric comprising: a base fiber comprising a base polymer composition comprising a base polymer; and short AM / AV fibers comprising an AM / AV polymer composition comprising an AM / AV polymer and an AM / AV compound, preferably zinc or copper or a combination thereof; wherein the fabric has an electrical charge and exhibits a particle filtration efficiency greater than 20% when measured according to the TSI 8130A test system at a face velocity of 10.5 ft / min, and wherein the fabric exhibits a log reduction in efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae greater than 1.5 as measured according to ASTM E3160 (2018).

2. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the short AM / AV fibers have a fiber length of less than 200 mm.

3. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises more than 20 wt% of short AM / AV fibers, preferably having a density of 30 g / m 2 Up to 130g / m 2 The basis weight.

4. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the charge is achieved by applying a voltage to the fabric at 10 Hz to 70 Hz, and / or the short AM / AV fibers have a surface energy of less than 4 N / m.

5. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the charge is a voltage drop of less than 25V and / or greater than 0.01V.

6. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the staple AM / AV fibers comprise polyamide and the base fibers comprise olefins, rayon, acrylic polymers, polyester, polyester-polypropylene split fibers, polypropylene-polyethylene split fibers, polyamide-polypropylene split fibers, natural fibers (wood pulp), or glass fibers, or combinations thereof.

7. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the AM / AV fabric exhibits a flow resistance of less than 40 mmH2O.

8. The fabric of claim 1 wherein the base polymer comprises polypropylene and the AM / AV polymer comprises polyamide.

9. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the base fibers and the AM / AV fibers are spunlaced, needle punched and / or hydroentangled, preferably spunlaced.

10. A wound care product comprising the fabric according to claim 1.

11. A method for producing an AM / AV fabric, the method comprising: intertwining short AM / AV fibers comprising an AM / AV polymer composition and base fibers comprising a base polymer composition to form a fabric web; charging the fabric web to form an AM / AV fabric; wherein the fabric exhibits a particle efficiency greater than 20% when measured according to TSI 8130A testing system at a face velocity of 10.5 ft / min, and wherein the fabric exhibits a log reduction in efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae greater than 1.5 as measured according to ASTM E3160 (2018).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein charging is achieved by applying a voltage to the AM / AV fabric at 10 Hz to 70 Hz.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the AM / AV textile is charged with a voltage drop of less than 25V and / or greater than 0.01V.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: blowing the AM / AV polymer composition to form the AM / AV fiber; and blowing the base polymer composition to form the base fiber; The intertwining is achieved by blowing the fibers.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming a wound care product from the AM / AV fabric.

Images