Antimicrobial synthetic textile and method of making same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to antibacterial synthetic textiles and methods for making antibacterial synthetic textiles. The present disclosure also relates to the use of polycarboxylic acids as antibacterial finishing agents in the synthesis of textiles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to antibacterial synthetic textiles and methods for manufacturing antibacterial synthetic textiles. The present disclosure also relates to the use of polycarboxylic acids as antibacterial finishing agents on synthetic textiles. Background Art

[0002] Antibacterial textiles have various benefits in occupational settings, medical and home environments, such as inhibiting microbial growth and odor control. Home textiles have always been an important part of the global textile trade. In addition, the exponential spread of COVID-19 globally and the growing demand for smart medical textiles in medical institutions have driven the development of the antibacterial textile market. Synthetic polyester fabrics dominate the antibacterial fabric consumption, with a market share close to half of the global market, and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to exceed 9.2% by 2027.

[0003] A wide variety of antibacterial agents are used in textiles, including synthetic organic compounds (such as triclosan, quaternary ammonium salt compounds (QAC), polybiguanide, brominated phenols, and N-halamines) and metals (such as silver, copper, and zinc). Many of these commonly used antibacterial agents have certain adverse properties. For example, silver ions and QAC have poor biodegradability and are highly toxic to aquatic organisms after being released into the environment. In addition, some commonly used antibacterial chemicals may contribute to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), namely antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other types of multi-drug resistant microorganisms. It is known that silver, copper, and zinc are released in large amounts from antibacterial coatings into the aquatic ecosystem. Research shows that on average, 60% of antibacterial substances such as triclosan, triclocarban, and silver in textiles are eluted after 10 washes, and even 100% of the substances may be eluted over time.

[0004] The antibacterial treatment of textiles needs to meet different requirements in addition to being highly effective against microorganisms. These requirements include being suitable for textile processing, resistant to washing, dry cleaning, and heat pressing, having good safety and environmental friendliness, and not damaging the quality or appearance of the textiles. There has long been a need for synthetic textile treatment compositions that can achieve durable and safe antibacterial finishing and can be applied simply and at low cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing antibacterial synthetic textiles, antibacterial synthetic textiles obtainable by this method, and antibacterial synthetic textiles for alleviating the above disadvantages. In addition, the use of polycarboxylic acids as antibacterial finishing agents on synthetic textiles and products including antibacterial synthetic textiles are provided.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing antibacterial synthetic textiles, comprising the following steps:

[0007] a) Provide a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst;

[0008] b) Apply the treatment solution to a synthetic textile to obtain a synthetic textile treated with a polycarboxylic acid; and

[0009] c) Cure the synthetic textile treated with the polycarboxylic acid.

[0010] A further aspect of the invention is an antibacterial synthetic textile obtainable by this method.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention is an antibacterial synthetic textile. The synthetic textile comprises an antibacterial finishing agent which comprises a polycarboxylic acid cured in the presence of a catalyst.

[0012] Yet another aspect is a product comprising the antibacterial synthetic textile.

[0013] Yet another aspect is the use of a polycarboxylic acid as an antibacterial finishing agent on a synthetic textile.

[0014] Aspects of the invention are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. Detailed Description

[0015] As used herein, the term "polycarboxylic acid" refers to an organic compound having a plurality of carboxylic acid functional groups. In other words, a polycarboxylic acid is an acid having more than one carboxylic acid group.

[0016] A large number of free hydroxyl groups (-OH) are present in cellulose and cellulose fibers such as cotton. When a polycarboxylic acid is applied to produce a finishing agent for textiles containing cellulose fibers, the hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups form stable covalent bonds through an esterification reaction. Therefore, the antibacterial finish containing the esterified polycarboxylic acid is naturally relatively persistent on such textiles.

[0017] In textile manufacturing, finishing refers to the process of converting a textile such as a fiber, yarn, fabric, or woven or knitted cloth into a more useful material to improve the appearance, performance, or "hand" (feel) of the finished textile or, for example, a garment made therefrom. An antibacterial finishing agent enables the textile to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Microbial infestation of textiles can lead to pathogen infections and cause odors where the textiles are worn or otherwise come into contact with the skin. Additionally, it can cause stains on the textile substrate and deterioration of the fiber quality. To protect the wearer and the textile substrate itself, an antibacterial finishing agent can be applied to the textile material.

[0018] Esterification is a method commonly used in green wood modification technology. Esterifying the hydroxyl groups of cellulose with polycarboxylic acids such as citric acid (CA) is a low-cost and environmentally friendly method for cellulose modification. Previously, polycarboxylic acids have been used for different applications on cotton fabrics. These conventional methods include immersing the cotton fabric in a solution of CA and sodium hypophosphite (SHP), and subjecting the fabric to heat treatment to facilitate the esterification reaction, in which CA forms an ester bond with the cellulose hydroxyl group by forming an acid anhydride.( et al., Croat Med J 2011, 52:68-75).

[0019] Since synthetic textiles lack free OH groups on the surface compared to cotton textiles of natural origin, these synthetic materials cannot undergo esterification reactions with polycarboxylic acids. Therefore, it is challenging to produce antibacterial synthetic textiles with a durable polycarboxylic acid finishing effect.

[0020] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing antibacterial synthetic textiles, antibacterial synthetic textiles obtainable by this method, and antibacterial synthetic textiles comprising an antibacterial finishing agent. The present invention also relates to the use of polycarboxylic acids as antibacterial finishing agents on synthetic textiles and products comprising antibacterial synthetic textiles.

[0021] As used herein, the term "textile" refers to various fiber-based materials, including but not limited to fibers, yarns, filaments, threads, and different types of fabrics, such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, and cloths. In addition, as used herein, the term "fabric" is defined as any thin, flexible material made from yarns, or directly from fibers, polymer films, foams, or any combination of these techniques. In addition, as used herein, the term "knitted fabric" refers to a fabric formed by interlacing yarns or threads into a series of interconnected loops. In addition, as used herein, the term "cloth" refers to a fabric composed of a fine network of flexible yarns.

[0022] Generally, the smallest component of a fabric is a fiber. As used herein, the term "natural fiber" refers to fibers obtained from plants or animals, while the term "synthetic fiber" is used to refer to fibers manufactured by chemical synthesis, and also encompasses semi-synthetic fibers synthesized from natural polymers. Similarly, "natural textiles" are textiles based on plant or animal fibers, and "synthetic textiles" are textiles based on fibers manufactured by chemical synthesis, and also encompass semi-synthetic fibers synthesized from natural polymers.

[0023] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an antibacterial synthetic textile, comprising the following steps: a) providing a treatment solution containing a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst; b) applying the treatment solution to the synthetic textile to obtain a synthetic textile treated with the polycarboxylic acid; and c) curing the synthetic textile treated with the polycarboxylic acid. Optionally, the curing is carried out at a temperature in the range of 130°C to 180°C.

[0024] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to an antibacterial synthetic textile obtainable by the method.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an antibacterial synthetic textile, the synthetic textile comprising an antibacterial finishing agent, the antibacterial finishing agent comprising a polycarboxylic acid cured in the presence of a catalyst. Optionally, the curing is carried out at a temperature in the range of 130°C to 180°C.

[0026] We unexpectedly found that polycarboxylic acids can be applied to finish synthetic textiles, thereby producing a very strong antibacterial effect and having good wash resistance. As shown in the working examples, the antibacterial activity is effective against both bacteria and fungi.

[0027] Manufacturing a durable antibacterial finishing agent involves using a catalyst. Without being limited by any one theory, it is believed that the catalyst enables the polycarboxylic acid molecules to crosslink and / or polymerize, thereby forming a layer of crosslinked and / or polymerized polycarboxylic acid molecules or a network of crosslinked and / or polymerized polycarboxylic acid molecules on the textile surface.

[0028] The antibacterial finishing agent disclosed herein represents a non-leaching technology and therefore does not release or only releases a very small amount of active substances into the environment during the textile washing process. The crosslinking and / or polymerization of the polycarboxylic acid molecules is achieved by high-temperature curing of a synthetic textile treated with one or more polycarboxylic acids in the presence of a catalyst.

[0029] As used herein, the term "curing" refers to the crosslinking and / or polymerization of polycarboxylic acid molecules on the surface of a synthetic textile by heating the polycarboxylic acid. The catalyst enhances the curing reaction, and it is believed that the curing reaction strengthens or hardens the polycarboxylic acid through crosslinking and / or polymerization.

[0030] As used herein, the term "or" simultaneously has the meanings of "and" and "or" (i.e., "and / or"). In addition, the meaning of a singular noun includes the meaning of a plural noun, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, a singular term can also represent the meaning of its plural form. In other words, the term "a" or "an" can mean one or more.

[0031] As used herein, the term "comprising" includes the following broad meanings: "including", "containing", and "covering", as well as the following narrow expressions: "consisting of..." and "consisting only of...".

[0032] As shown in the working examples, the polycarboxylic acid finishing produced according to the present invention exhibits antibacterial activity in both synthetic textiles made of a single type of polymer and synthetic textiles made of polymer mixtures.

[0033] Synthetic textiles (including textiles antibacterial finished by the methods disclosed herein) that can be used in all aspects of the present invention include, but are not limited to, textiles made of the following materials: polyester; polyamide, such as nylon; polyacrylonitrile, such as acrylic and modified acrylic; olefin; vinyon; polyethylene, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema, and Spectra; elastane; vinylon; aramid, such as Kevlar, Nomex, and Twaron; polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polylactic acid (PLA); poly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; and fiberglass or any mixture thereof.

[0034] In other words, the synthetic textile is made of a polymeric material that does not contain free hydroxyl groups in its structure, unless optionally present at the ends of the polymer chain. Further, each polymer molecule can have at most one free hydroxyl group at each end or terminus (such as the hydroxyl group of a carboxylic acid group), and there are no free hydroxyl groups between the two ends of the polymer molecule. The end or terminus means the end group of the polymer molecule.

[0035] In one embodiment, the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymeric material, wherein one or more polymer molecules in the polymeric material each contain no more than one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl groups between the two ends, wherein the free hydroxyl groups are independently selected from hydroxyl groups and carboxylic acid groups.

[0036] Polycarboxylic acids useful in all aspects of the present invention, including the methods or antimicrobial synthetic textiles or synthetic textiles containing antimicrobial finishing agents disclosed herein, include but are not limited to: citric acid (CA; CAS 77-92-9), isocitric acid (ICA; CAS 320-77-4), tricarboxylic acid (TCA; CAS 99-14-9), 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA; CAS 923-42-2), 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA; CAS 1703-58-8), oxalic acid (CAS 144-62-7), tartaric acid (L(+)-tartaric acid, CAS 87-69-4 and other isomers), succinic acid (CAS 110-15-6), malic acid (CAS 6915-15-7), malonic acid (CAS 141-82-2), glutamic acid (L-isomer, CAS 56-86-0 and other isomers), aspartic acid (L-isomer, CAS 56-84-8 and other isomers), glutaric acid (CAS 110-94-1), 1,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid (CAS 6940-58-5), gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid and adipic acid. The polycarboxylic acid can also be in any isomeric, salt or hydrate form, including but not limited to sodium citrate anhydrous (CAS 13742-35-0) and citric acid monohydrate (CAS 5949-29-1).

[0037] All aspects of the present invention, including the antimicrobial synthetic textiles and methods of the present invention, relate to a catalyst that is believed to enhance the crosslinking and / or polymerization reaction rate between polycarboxylic acid molecules. In all aspects of the present invention, the following substances can be used as catalysts: sodium hypophosphite anhydrous CAS 7681-53-0 (SHP; NaH2PO2), or SHP hydrate such as CAS 123333-67-5, or monohydrate CAS 10039-56-2; or sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous CAS 7558-80-7 (MSP; NaH2PO4), or MSP hydrate such as monohydrate CAS 10049-21-5 or dihydrate CAS 10049-21-5, or any mixture thereof.

[0038] In one embodiment, a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst are provided dissolved in a solvent. Thus, the treatment solution that is cured to form the antimicrobial finishing agent contains a polycarboxylic acid, a catalyst, and a solvent. Suitable solvents include but are not limited to solvents selected from one or more of the following: aqueous solvents, water, alcohols, ethers, ethyl acetate, ketones or DMSO. That is, any one of the listed solvents suitable for dissolving the polycarboxylic acid in question or any mixture of the listed solvents is also suitable for the antimicrobial synthetic textiles and methods of the present invention. Preferably, the solvent is water or an aqueous solvent, such as a water-alcohol mixture.

[0039] In one embodiment, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the polycarboxylic acid in the treatment solution ranges from 1 to 20 wt-%, preferably from 2 to 18 wt-%, more preferably from 5 to 15 wt-%, and even more preferably from 6 to 14 wt-%. Additionally or alternatively, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, a polycarboxylic acid concentration of 1 wt-%, 2 wt-%, 3 wt-%, 4 wt-%, 5 wt-%, 6 wt-%, 7 wt-%, 8 wt-%, 9 wt-%, 10 wt-%, 11 wt-%, 12 wt-%, 13 wt-%, 14 wt-%, 15 wt-%, 16 wt-%, 17 wt-%, 18 wt-%, 19 wt-% or 20 wt-% or a concentration range between any two of said concentrations can be used in the treatment solution.

[0040] In one embodiment, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the catalyst in the treatment solution ranges from 1 to 20 wt-%, preferably from 2 to 18 wt-%, more preferably from 5 to 15 wt-%, and even more preferably from 6 to 14 wt-%. Additionally or alternatively, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, a catalyst concentration of 1 wt-%, 2 wt-%, 3 wt-%, 4 wt-%, 5 wt-%, 6 wt-%, 7 wt-%, 8 wt-%, 9 wt-%, 10 wt-%, 11 wt-%, 12 wt-%, 13 wt-%, 14 wt-%, 15 wt-%, 16 wt-%, 17 wt-%, 18 wt-%, 19 wt-% or 20 wt-% or a concentration range between any two of said concentrations can be used in the treatment solution.

[0041] Polycarboxylic acids, especially citric acid and isocitric acid, can start to decompose at temperatures above 175 °C. Therefore, textiles treated with polycarboxylic acids such as CA or ICA can have a strong tendency to turn yellow, especially at high temperatures and / or during heat treatment for an extended period of time, as the polycarboxylic acid degrades into, for example, unsaturated acids (such as aconitic acid). Therefore, it is also important to maintain a short curing time to avoid decomposition.

[0042] According to the results presented in Example 3, wash-fast antibacterial activity was achieved when curing was carried out at temperatures in the range of 150 °C to 180 °C. However, it is expected that in large-scale industrial applications, heat transfer to the fabric in an industrial dryer is more efficient than in laboratory-scale experiments (such as those in Example 3). Therefore, lower temperatures of 130 °C or 140 °C are sufficient at the industrial scale compared to laboratory-scale curing.

[0043] In one embodiment, in the methods disclosed herein, or in the antimicrobial synthetic textiles or synthetic textiles containing an antimicrobial finishing agent, curing is carried out at a temperature of 130 °C to 180 °C, or 135 °C to 180 °C, or 140 °C to 180 °C, or 145 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 175 °C, or 150 °C to 170 °C. Additionally or alternatively, the curing temperature can be 130 °C, 135 °C, 140 °C, 145 °C, 150 °C, 155 °C, 160 °C, 165 °C, 170 °C, 175 °C or 180 °C, or any temperature range between any two of the following temperatures: 130 °C, 135 °C, 140 °C, 145 °C, 150 °C, 155 °C, 160 °C, 165 °C, 170 °C, 175 °C or 180 °C.

[0044] In another embodiment, in the methods disclosed herein, or in the antimicrobial synthetic textiles or synthetic textiles containing an antimicrobial finishing agent, curing is carried out for a period of 5 seconds to 180 seconds, or 10 seconds to 150 seconds, or 15 seconds to 120 seconds, or 30 seconds to 60 seconds. Additionally or alternatively, the curing time can be 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 25 s, 30 s, 35 s, 40 s, 45 s, 50 s, 55 s, 60 s, 65 s, 70 s, 75 s, 80 s, 85 s, 90 s, 95 s, 100 s, 105 s, 110 s, 115 s or 120 s, or any time range between any two of the following durations: 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 25 s, 30 s, 35 s, 40 s, 45 s, 50 s, 55 s, 60 s, 65 s, 70 s, 75 s, 80 s, 85 s, 90 s, 95 s, 100 s, 105 s, 110 s, 115 s or 120 s.

[0045] Furthermore, we unexpectedly found that one-step curing treatment can also be used to simultaneously dry the synthetic textiles. In other words, a two-step process involving a separate drying step before the curing step is not required to achieve a durable antimicrobial finish.

[0046] As used herein, the term "drying" refers to heating the synthetic textiles to achieve a reduction in moisture content. Generally, drying is carried out at a temperature lower than the curing temperature, for example, to avoid decomposition of the polycarboxylic acid and to avoid the occurrence or initiation of the curing reaction. Compared with traditional two-step drying and curing, one-step curing provides a fast and energy-efficient process.

[0047] In one embodiment, in the methods or antimicrobial synthetic textiles disclosed herein, no drying step is performed before the curing step, i.e., heat is applied to the synthetic textile treated with polycarboxylic acid. In other words, drying is achieved in a single curing step, which is carried out at a temperature of 130°C to 180°C, or 135°C to 180°C, or 140°C to 180°C, or 145°C to 180°C, or 150°C to 180°C, or 150°C to 175°C, or 150°C to 170°C. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature can be 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, 155°C, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C or 180°C, or any temperature range between any two of the following temperatures: 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, 155°C, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C or 180°C.

[0048] Preferably, the single curing step is carried out for a period of 5 seconds to 180 seconds, or 10 seconds to 150 seconds, or 15 seconds to 120 seconds or 30 seconds to 60 seconds. Additionally or alternatively, the curing time can be 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 25s, 30s, 35s, 40s, 45s, 50s, 55s, 60s, 65s, 70s, 75s, 80s, 85s, 90s, 95s, 100s, 105s, 110s, 115s or 120s, or any time range between any two of the following durations: 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 25s, 30s, 35s, 40s, 45s, 50s, 55s, 60s, 65s, 70s, 75s, 80s, 85s, 90s, 95s, 100s, 105s, 110s, 115s or 120s.

[0049] As used herein, the term "wet adhesion rate" refers to the amount of fluid or solution (by weight percentage) adhered to the textile during the method steps. The wet adhesion rate is affected by factors such as the properties of the textile and the nature of the solution. As used herein, the term "dry adhesion rate" refers to the amount of treatment chemicals remaining on the textile (by weight percentage) after the evaporation of the solution or solvent liquid.

[0050] It has been found that the combination of the wet pick-up rate, the concentration of polycarboxylic acids such as citric acid concentration, and the concentration of catalysts such as SHP concentration results in a dry pick-up rate of the polycarboxylic acid and the catalyst in the range of 0.5% to 20%, which produces a durable and effective antibacterial finishing agent. Preferably, the dry pick-up rate of the polycarboxylic acid and the catalyst can be in the range of 2% to 18% or 3% to 15%. Additionally or alternatively, the dry pick-up rate can be 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% or 20%, or any wet pick-up rate range between any two of the following wet pick-up rate values: 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% or 20%.

[0051] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the dry pick-up rate of textiles can be adjusted by adjusting the wet pick-up rate of one or more treatment chemicals or one or more concentrations. As illustrated in the working examples herein, when synthetic textiles are treated with a 10 wt% CA solution and a 10 wt% SHP solution and the wet pick-up rate is 70%, the dry pick-up rates of both CA and SHP are 7%.

[0052] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of polycarboxylic acids as antibacterial finishing agents on synthetic textiles. The polycarboxylic acids are selected from one or more of the following: citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarboxylic acid (TCA), 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannosaccharic acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid and adipic acid, or their salts, hydrates or isomers.

[0053] In one embodiment, in the use of polycarboxylic acids as antibacterial finishing agents on synthetic textiles, the polycarboxylic acids are cured in the presence of a catalyst selected from sodium hypophosphite (SHP), sodium dihydrogen phosphate (MSP) or any mixture thereof.

[0054] In the context of the antibacterial synthetic textiles of the present invention and the method for manufacturing antibacterial synthetic textiles of the present invention, all embodiments disclosed herein are also applicable to the use of polycarboxylic acids as antibacterial finishing agents on synthetic textiles.

[0055] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to any object and / or product made of the antibacterial synthetic textile obtainable by the method of the present invention or a synthetic textile containing an antibacterial finishing agent. They include, but are not limited to, objects such as clothing, furniture, home decorations, etc. and products for medical and hospital use.

[0056] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a product made of an antibacterial synthetic textile, a product containing or comprising the antibacterial synthetic textile. The antibacterial synthetic textile can be manufactured by the method of the present invention. The product can be selected from clothing; footwear; personal protective equipment; accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves, belts and ties; luggage; baggage; backpacks; towels; indoor textiles such as bedding, cushions, blankets, curtains, drapes, furniture fabrics, floor and wall coverings and automotive interiors; sports and outdoor equipment; medical textiles such as wound dressings, bandages, masks, gloves and surgical gowns; toys; industrial products such as filters, conveyor belts, geotextiles, industrial fabrics, sunshade nets, crop covers, packaging materials, insulation materials, gaskets, seals and tire cords; and electronic devices such as headphones, microphones and speakers.

[0057] Regarding the discoloration problem of textiles treated with polycarboxylic acids due to the formation of colored degradation products, the use of polyols in the treatment solution can prevent the yellowing of textiles. This is because the presence of polyols is expected to prevent the adverse side reactions that produce unsaturated acids (such as aconitic acid). Such polyols include, but are not limited to, xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol and pentaerythritol. In addition, the use of BTCA, TBA and / or BTRCA as polycarboxylic acids is considered to prevent or reduce the formation of yellow by-products because these polycarboxylic acids form acid anhydrides upon heating without producing a large amount of unsaturated acids.

[0058] In one embodiment, the antibacterial synthetic textile of the present invention, as well as the method and use of the present invention, relate to polyols selected from the group consisting of xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, 1,2 - propanediol, 1,3 - propanediol, 1,4 - butanediol, 1,5 - pentanediol, 1,6 - hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, trimethylolethane and any combination thereof. The polyol can be included in a treatment solution containing a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst, i.e., applied to the synthetic textile together with the polycarboxylic acid before curing to produce an antibacterial finishing agent.

[0059] In one embodiment, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the polyol included in the treatment solution ranges from 0.1 to 5 wt-%, preferably from 0.2 to 3 wt-%, more preferably from 0.3 to 2 wt-%, and even more preferably from 0.5 to 1 wt-%. Additionally or alternatively, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the treatment solution may use a polyol concentration of 0.1 wt-%, 0.2 wt-%, 0.3 wt-%, 0.4 wt-%, 0.5 wt-%, 0.6 wt-%, 0.7 wt-%, 0.8 wt-%, 0.9 wt-%, 1.0 wt-%, 1.1 wt-%, 1.2 wt-%, 1.3 wt-%, 1.4 wt-%, 1.5 wt-%, 1.6 wt-%, 1.7 wt-%, 1.8 wt-%, 1.9 wt-%, 2.0 wt-%, 2.5 wt-%, 3.0 wt-%, 3.5 wt-%, 4.0 wt-%, 4.5 wt-% or 5.0 wt-% or a concentration range between any two of the said concentrations.

[0060] The treatment solution may contain further auxiliary components, including terpene-containing essential oils (such as peppermint oil) for antibacterial efficacy and odor control. Odor control can also be achieved by metal oxides. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the further auxiliary components may include surfactants for reducing the surface tension of water, rheology modifiers for changing the rheology of the solution, defoaming additives for reducing foam (such as polydimethylsiloxane), and additional bactericides approved for the textile industry. The surfactant can alleviate problems caused by water hardness. Preferably, the surfactant is a surfactant of biological origin, such as a green nonionic surfactant. A water-soluble polymer can act as a rheology modifier.

[0061] A polycarboxylic acid has multiple carboxyl groups, each with its own pK a value. For example, citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid, and its pK a values at 25 °C are 3.128, 4.761, and 6.396. The pH range in which citric acid has the highest antibacterial efficiency is below pH 3.1, at which all three carboxyl groups of at least half of the CA molecules are protonated (i.e., CA is in the H3A form). For example, at pH 4.7, no CA is in the H3A form, but half is in the H2A form and half is in the HA form. This also applies to other polycarboxylic acids with their respective specific pK a values.

[0062] We unexpectedly found that the pH of the treatment solution affects the quality of the resulting antimicrobial finish. The treatment solution applied to synthetic textiles to produce polycarboxylic acid-treated synthetic textiles produced the most durable finish using a pH in the range of 2 to 7. Optionally, the pH can be in the range of 2 to 6, or 2 to 5, or 2 to 4 or 2 to 3. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that acids and / or bases can be used to adjust the pH of the treatment solution.

[0063] GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) additives can be safely used for odor reduction and bacteria control in textile materials. GRAS substances are food-grade substances that, because they are generally recognized as safe by qualified experts under the conditions of their intended use, do not require premarket review and approval by the FDA. These substances include, for example, citric acid, malic acid, and their derivatives. Among the GRAS substances, there is a group classified as low-risk pesticides and thus can claim antimicrobial efficacy when used in textiles. Citric acid is included in this group.

[0064] In addition, other GRAS substances of natural origin (such as chitosan and chitosan derivatives) are also considered safe and green antimicrobial substances. Chitosan has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity based on its quaternary nitrogen structure and is particularly effective at pH values below 6. In all aspects of the present invention (such as the method for manufacturing antimicrobial synthetic textiles according to the present invention, or antimicrobial textiles or uses), chitosan can produce a synergistic antimicrobial effect when combined with polycarboxylic acids.

[0065] Citric acid is listed as an active substance in Annex I (EU) and is considered a low-risk substance. Biocidal products containing such low-toxicity substances are eligible for a simplified authorization procedure in the EU. For example, silver-based technologies are not considered low-risk substances because their mode of action is based on leaching and is essentially "designed toxicity". Developing antimicrobial textile finishes requires meeting an appropriate level of the "Safety by Design" (SbD) strategy. The SbD concept refers to identifying risks and uncertainties to humans and the environment at the early stages of the innovation process to minimize uncertainty, potential hazards, and / or exposure risks. The SbD approach safeguards the safety of materials / products and associated processes throughout the life cycle (from the research and development (R&D) stage to production, use, recycling, and disposal). Citric acid is environmentally safe and does not harm humans. It occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits.

[0066] In one aspect, the method of the present invention may include treating the antimicrobial synthetic textile with one or more additional textile treatment agents or textile treatment substances that improve the performance of the textile.

[0067] In a further aspect, the antimicrobial synthetic textile of the present invention can be treated with additional textile treatment agents or textile treatment substances that improve the performance of the textile. Thus, the synthetic textile includes finishing with one or more additional textile treatment agents or textile treatment substances in addition to the antimicrobial finishing agent.

[0068] In yet another aspect, the use of the present invention (i.e., the use of polycarboxylic acids as antimicrobial finishing agents on synthetic textiles) can include treating the antimicrobial synthetic textile with one or more additional textile treatment agents or textile treatment substances that improve the performance of the textile.

[0069] Such one or more additional agents or substances can be added to a treatment solution containing a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst, and the treatment solution is cured to form an antimicrobial finish. Additionally or alternatively, the step of treating the textile with one or more additional agents can be carried out as an independent step, either prior to or after the antimicrobial finishing step.

[0070] The additional textile treatment agents or textile treatment substances can be selected from one or more of the following: wrinkle-resistant agents, shrinkage control agents, optical brighteners, water repellents, oil repellents, self-cleaning agents, flame retardants, softeners, odor absorbers, odor control agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, insect repellents, humidity regulators, antistatic agents, anti-pilling agents, anti-slip agents, and UV protectants. In one embodiment, the antibacterial agent is chitosan.

[0071] The following embodiments are also provided.

[0072] 1. A method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, comprising the steps of:

[0073] a) providing a treatment solution containing a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst;

[0074] b) applying the treatment solution to the synthetic textile to obtain a synthetic textile treated with the polycarboxylic acid; and

[0075] c) curing the synthetic textile treated with the polycarboxylic acid.

[0076] wherein the polycarboxylic acid is selected from one or more of the following: citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarboxylic acid (TCA), 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, or their salts, hydrates or isomers, and

[0077] wherein the catalyst is selected from one or more of the following: sodium hypophosphite (SHP), SHP hydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate (MSP), MSP hydrate, or any mixture thereof.

[0078] 2. The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the curing is carried out at a temperature of 150°C to 180°C, or 150°C to 175°C, or 160°C to 175°C, or 160°C to 170°C, or 150°C to 170°C.

[0079] 3. The method according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the curing is carried out for a period of 30 seconds to 180 seconds, or 30 seconds to 150 seconds, or 30 seconds to 120 seconds or 60 seconds to 120 seconds.

[0080] 4. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the pH of the treatment solution is in the range of 2 to 7, or 2 to 6, or 2 to 5, or 2 to 4 or 2 to 3.

[0081] 5. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the dry adhesion rate of the polycarboxylic acid and / or the catalyst is in the range of 3% to 12%, preferably in the range of 4% to 10% or 5% to 9%.

[0082] 6. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from the following materials: polyester; polyamide, such as nylon; polyacrylonitrile, such as acrylic and modified acrylic; olefin; vinyon; polyethylene, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastane; vinylon; aramid, such as Kevlar, Nomex and Twaron; polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polylactic acid (PLA); poly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fiber or any mixture thereof.

[0083] 7. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the treatment solution is produced by dissolving a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst in a solvent, and the solvent is selected from aqueous solvents, water, alcohols, ethers, ethyl acetate, ketones, DMSO or any mixture thereof.

[0084] 8. An antibacterial synthetic textile produced by the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7.

[0085] 9. A synthetic textile containing an antimicrobial finishing agent, the antimicrobial finishing agent containing a polycarboxylic acid cured in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is selected from one or more of the following: citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarboxylic acid (TCA), 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, or salts, hydrates or isomers thereof, and wherein the catalyst is selected from one or more of the following: sodium hypophosphite (SHP), SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), MSP hydrate or any mixture thereof.

[0086] 10. The synthetic textile according to embodiment 9, wherein the curing is carried out at a temperature of 150 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 175 °C, or 160 °C to 175 °C, or 160 °C to 170 °C, or 150 °C to 170 °C, and optionally, wherein the curing is carried out for a period of 30 seconds to 180 seconds, or 30 seconds to 150 seconds, or 30 seconds to 120 seconds or 60 seconds to 120 seconds.

[0087] 11. The synthetic textile according to embodiment 9 or embodiment 10, wherein the dry adhesion rate of the polycarboxylic acid and / or the catalyst is in the range of 3% to 12%, preferably in the range of 4% to 10% or 5% to 9%.

[0088] 12. The synthetic textile according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from the following materials: polyester; polyamide, such as nylon; polyacrylonitrile, such as acrylic and modified acrylic; olefin; vinylon; polyethylene, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastane; vinylon; aramid, such as Kevlar, Nomex and Twaron; polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polylactic acid (PLA); poly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fiber or mixtures thereof.

[0089] 13. Use of a polycarboxylic acid as an antimicrobial finishing agent on a synthetic textile, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is selected from one or more of the following: citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarboxylic acid (TCA), 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, or salts, hydrates or isomers thereof.

[0090] 14. The use according to embodiment 13, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is cured in the presence of a catalyst, and the catalyst is selected from one or more of the following: sodium hypophosphite (SHP), SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), MSP hydrate, or any mixture thereof.

[0091] 15. The use according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from the following materials: polyester; polyamide, such as nylon; polyacrylonitrile, such as acrylic and modified acrylic; olefin; vinylon; polyethylene, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema, and Spectra; elastane; vinyon; aramid, such as Kevlar, Nomex, and Twaron; polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polylactic acid (PLA); poly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fiber, or a mixture thereof.

[0092] Examples

[0093] Example 1

[0094] Example 1 provides a method for antibacterial finishing of synthetic textiles with citric acid, using sodium hypophosphite as a catalyst. The method involves a two-step heat treatment for drying and curing the textiles respectively.

[0095] A water-soluble treatment solution was prepared as follows. Citric acid (CAS No. 77-92-9) in solid form and sodium hypophosphite (SHP) monohydrate (CAS No. 10039-56-2) were dissolved in distilled water at room temperature. The final concentration of citric acid was 10 wt%, and the final concentration of SHP was 10 wt%. Citric acid was dissolved first, and after all the citric acid had visibly dissolved, SHP was added.

[0096] A polyester fabric sample was immersed in a 10 wt% citric acid, 10 wt% SHP working solution, stirred for one minute, and then padded to a liquor pickup of about 70% or dried directly after impregnation. The wet sample was placed in a stenter, first thoroughly dried at 100 °C for 10 minutes, and then cured at 150 °C for 90 seconds. After curing, the fabric sample was rehydrated overnight at room temperature and then ready for further treatment. The material was thoroughly rinsed with tap water and then washed. The washing included 0 or 10 wet continuous home washing cycles at 40 °C. Washing was carried out in an Electrolux Professional Wascator FOM71 CLS washing machine using an ECE-2 standard detergent according to the 4N program of ISO 6330 standard. All samples were rinsed well in deionized water and then analyzed.

[0097] The durability of the treated fabric and the obtained antibacterial protection were determined by screening tests based on the ISO 20743 standard. Briefly, the treated polyester fabric (0.4 g) was inoculated with 3.6x10 4 Staphylococcus aureus. After a contact time of 21 hours, the surviving Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) cells were eluted from the sample using 20 ml of tryptic soy broth supplemented with 0.07% lecithin and 0.5% . The S. aureus cells were quantitatively detected by serially diluting the eluate and plating it on tryptic soy agar plates, and counting the colonies after 24 hours of incubation.

[0098] The antibacterial activity value (A) was calculated according to Equation [1]:

[0099] A = (lgC t - lgC0) - (lgT t - lgT0) = F - G [1]

[0100] where F is the growth value on the control sample (F = (lgC t - lgC0)); G is the growth value on the antibacterial test sample (G = (lgT t - lgT0)); lg C t is the common logarithm of the number of bacteria obtained from the control sample after incubation from 18 h to 24 h; lg C0 is the common logarithm of the number of bacteria in the inoculum. lg T t is the common logarithm of the number of bacteria obtained from the antibacterial test sample after incubation from 18 h to 24 h; lg T0 is the common logarithm of the number of bacteria in the inoculum. The A values and data used to calculate A are provided in Table 1.

[0101] Table 1 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A) of polyester fabrics treated with citric acid and sodium hypophosphite (SHP)

[0102]

[0103]

[0104] The results are as follows: The A values of both treated samples (0 washes and 10 washes) were 5.8, indicating that the S. aureus colony count decreased by >5 log10 (>99.999%) compared to the untreated control polyester fabric. The ISO 20743 standard (2021) gives the following reference values for antibacterial performance efficacy: a log10 reduction <2 equals low antibacterial performance; a log10 reduction of 2 - 3 equals significant antibacterial performance; a log10 reduction >3 equals strong antibacterial performance. Therefore, even after 10 washing cycles, the treated fabric still had strong antibacterial performance against Staphylococcus aureus.

[0105] Example 2

[0106] Example 2 provides the preparation of a water-soluble treatment solution based on the crosslinking agent citric acid and the catalyst sodium hypophosphite monohydrate; the manufacture of a polyester material with antibacterial properties; and the verification of the antibacterial properties of the resulting polyester textiles against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria after various washing cycles.

[0107] To prepare the water-soluble treatment solution, anhydrous citric acid (CA; CAS No. 77-92-9) and sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (SHP; CAS No. 10039-56-2) in solid form were dissolved in tap water at room temperature. The final concentration of CA was 9 wt%, and the final concentration of SHP was 9 wt%. Citric acid was dissolved first, and after all the CA had visibly dissolved, SHP was added. To study the effect of using citric acid alone, a similar CA solution without adding SHP to the solution was prepared.

[0108] A polyester material with antibacterial properties was manufactured as follows: polyester fabric samples were immersed in two different working solutions, containing a) 9 wt% citric acid and 9 wt% sodium hypophosphite monohydrate, or b) 9 wt% citric acid, stirred for one minute and then padded to a liquor pick-up of approximately 70%. The wet samples were placed in a stentering machine and dried and cured in one step at 160 °C for 90 seconds. After curing, the fabric samples were rehydrated overnight at room temperature. The treated textile materials were thoroughly rinsed with tap water and then washed. The washing included 0, 10, or 25 consecutive wet household washing cycles at 40 °C. Washing was carried out in an Electrolux Professional Wascator FOM71 CLS washing machine using an ECE-2 standard detergent according to the 4N program of ISO 6330 standard (2021). All samples were rinsed well in deionized water and then analyzed.

[0109] The durability and the obtained antibacterial protection of the treated fabrics were determined by a screening test based on ISO 20743 standard (2021). Briefly, the treated polyester fabric (0.4 g) was inoculated with 4.5x10 4 Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Gram-positive, or 4.7x10 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), Gram-negative. After an overnight contact time, the surviving bacteria were eluted from the samples using 20 ml of tryptic soy broth supplemented with 0.07 wt% lecithin and 0.5 vol% . The bacteria were quantitatively detected by serially diluting the eluate and plating it on tryptic soy agar plates and counting the colonies after overnight incubation.

[0110] The antibacterial activity value (A) was calculated in a similar manner to that in Example 1. The A values and data used for the calculation of A are provided in Tables 2 and 3.

[0111] Table 2 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) CA = citric acid; SHP = sodium hypophosphite; 0x = 0 washes; 10x = 10 washes; 25x = 25 washes.

[0112]

[0113] Table 3 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A) against Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352) CA = citric acid; SHP = sodium hypophosphite; 0x = 0 washes; 10x = 10 washes; 25x = 25 washes.

[0114]

[0115] The ISO 20743 standard (2021) gives the following reference values for antibacterial performance efficacy: a log reduction < 2 is equal to low antibacterial performance; a log reduction of 2 - 3 is equal to significant antibacterial performance; a log reduction > 3 is equal to strong antibacterial performance. The results are as follows: For Gram-positive S. aureus, the samples treated with citric acid and sodium hypophosphite monohydrate showed strong antibacterial performance (log reduction > 3) after rinsing and after 10 or 25 cleaning cycles. For CA used alone, the rinsed samples had significant antibacterial performance (log reduction 2 - 3), but after 10 or 25 cleaning cycles, only low antibacterial performance remained in the samples. For Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae, the results were basically the same, except that the samples treated with CA and SHP after 25 cleaning cycles had significant but not strong antibacterial performance.

[0116] Example 3

[0117] Example 3 provides the effect of drying and curing temperatures on the acquisition of antibacterial properties by polyester textiles.

[0118] To prepare the water-soluble treatment solution, anhydrous citric acid (CA; CAS No. 77 - 92 - 9) and sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (SHP; CAS No. 10039 - 56 - 2) in solid form were dissolved in tap water at room temperature. The final concentration of CA was 9 wt%, and the final concentration of SHP was 9 wt%. Xylitol (CAS 87 - 99 - 0) was added to the treatment solution to reach a final concentration of 0.5 wt% to reduce the yellowing of the textile samples. The pH of the treatment solution was 3.0.

[0119] A polyester material with antibacterial properties is manufactured by the following method: Immerse a polyester fabric sample in a treatment solution, stir for one minute, and then pad the solution to a liquor pick-up of approximately 70%. Place the wet sample in a stentering machine and perform one-step drying and curing at 120 °C, 130 °C, 140 °C, 150 °C, 160 °C, 170 °C, or 180 °C for 90 seconds. After curing, allow the fabric sample to rehydrate overnight at room temperature. Thoroughly rinse the treated textile material with tap water and then perform washing. The washing includes 10 wet continuous household washing cycles at 40 °C. The washing is carried out in an Electrolux Professional Wascator FOM71 CLS washing machine using an ECE-2 standard detergent according to the 4N program of ISO 6330 standard (2021). Rinse all the samples well in deionized water and then perform analysis.

[0120] The durability of the treated fabric and the obtained antibacterial protection are determined by a screening test based on ISO 20743 standard (2021). Briefly, inoculate a treated polyester fabric (0.4 g) with 4.8 x 10 4 cfu of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). After an overnight contact time, elute the surviving bacterial bodies from the sample using 20 ml of tryptic soy broth supplemented with 0.07% lecithin and 0.5% . Quantify the bacterial bodies by performing serial dilutions of the eluate, plating on tryptic soy agar plates, and counting the colonies after overnight incubation.

[0121] Calculate the antibacterial activity value (A) in a similar manner as in Example 1. The A values and data for calculating A are provided in Table 4.

[0122] Table 4 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A) at different curing temperatures, determining C0 and C for the untreated control polyester fabric t and T0 and T for the samples t .

[0123] Value 120℃ 130℃ 140℃ 150℃ 160℃ 170℃ 180℃ <![CDATA[C0]]> 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 <![CDATA[C t > 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1 <![CDATA[T0]]> 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 <![CDATA[T t > >7.3 >7.3 7.3 4.3 <2.3 2.6 5.5 F 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 G >2.5 >2.5 2.5 -0.5 <-2.5 -2.2 0.7 A <-0.2 <-0.2 -0.2 2.8 >4.8 4.5 1.6 A％ ～0 ～0 ～0 99.8 >99.998 99.997 97.5

[0124] According to the results, strong antibacterial activity (log reduction > 3) against Gram-positive S. aureus was achieved when the drying and curing steps were completed at 160 °C or 170 °C. Additionally, significant antibacterial activity was achieved when the drying and curing steps were completed at 150 °C, and low antibacterial activity was achieved when the drying and curing steps were completed at 180 °C. However, it is expected that in large-scale industrial applications, transferring heat to the fabric in an industrial dryer is more efficient than laboratory-scale experiments (such as those in this example). Therefore, in industrial scale, temperatures lower than those of the drying and curing temperatures in laboratory scale are sufficient. Drying and curing temperatures of 130 °C or 140 °C may be sufficient.

[0125] According to visual inspection, no yellowing of the textile was observed even at 180 °C. It is speculated that this may be affected by the presence of the polyol xylitol in the sample.

[0126] Example 4

[0127] Example 4 provides the preparation of a water-soluble treatment solution based on citric acid and a) sodium hypophosphite monohydrate or b) sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate as a reaction catalyst; the manufacture of a polyester material with antibacterial properties; and the verification of the antibacterial properties of the resulting polyester textiles against Gram-positive bacteria after various washing cycles.

[0128] The water-soluble treatment solution was prepared by dissolving anhydrous citric acid (CA; CAS No. 77-92-9) in solid form and a) sodium hypophosphite (SHP) monohydrate (CAS No. 10039-56-2) or b) sodium dihydrogen phosphate (MSP) dihydrate (NaH2PO4·2H2O; CAS No. 13472-35-0) in deionized water at room temperature. The final concentration of citric acid was 9 wt%, the final concentration of a) SHP was 9 wt%, or the final concentration of b) NaH2PO4·2H2O was 13.5 wt%. The pH of the treatment solution was a) 2.88 and b) 2.99.

[0129] A polyester material with antibacterial properties was manufactured by immersing a polyester fabric sample in two different working solutions containing a) 9 wt% citric acid (CA) and a) 9 wt% SHP or b) 13.5 wt% NaH2PO4·2H2O, squeezing to a liquor pick-up of approximately 70% after stirring for one minute. The wet sample was placed in a stenter and dried and cured in a one-step process at 160 °C for 90 seconds. After curing, the fabric sample was rehydrated overnight at room temperature and then prepared for further treatment. Similar to Example 4, the material was thoroughly rinsed with tap water and then washed.

[0130] Similar to Example 4, the durability of the treated fabric and the obtained antibacterial protection were measured. The treated textile was inoculated with 4.3 x 10 4 CFU of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). After an overnight contact time, the surviving bacteria were eluted from the sample using 20 ml of tryptic soy broth supplemented with 0.07 wt% lecithin and 0.5 vol% . The bacteria were quantitatively detected by serially diluting the eluate and plating it on tryptic soy agar plates, and counting the colonies after overnight incubation.

[0131] The antibacterial activity value (A) was calculated in a similar manner to that in Example 1. The A values and data used to calculate A are provided in Table 5.

[0132] Table 5 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A) CA = citric acid; SHP = sodium hypophosphite; MSP = sodium dihydrogen phosphate; 0x = 0 washes; 10x = 10 washes.

[0133]

[0134] Before washing and after 10 washing cycles, the polyester fabric samples treated with citric acid and SHP or MSP as a reaction catalyst both had strong antibacterial properties (log reduction > 3). Therefore, both catalysts had similar activities.

[0135] Example 5

[0136] Example 5 provides the effect of adding low molecular weight chitosan to the treatment solution on the antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria.

[0137] A treatment solution was prepared substantially as described in Example 2, except for the following differences: the final concentration of CA was 10 wt%, the final concentration of SHP was 10 wt%, and low molecular weight chitosan (LMW-CS; CAS No. 9012-76-4) was additionally added to reach a final concentration of 1 wt%. The treatment of the polyester fabric samples and the testing of their antibacterial properties were completed substantially as described in Example 2, except for the following differences: in this case, the wet adhesion rate was approximately 63%, and the samples were dried and cured in two steps, first at 100 °C for 10 minutes and then at 160 °C for 90 seconds.

[0138] The antibacterial activity value (A) was calculated in a similar manner to that in Example 1. The A values and data used to calculate A are provided in Table 6.

[0139] Table 6 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A)

[0140] Value Sample after 0 washes Sample after 10 washes <![CDATA[C0 (Control)]]> 4.6 4.6 <![CDATA[C t (control)]]> 7.9 7.9 <![CDATA[T0 (Sample)]]> 4.6 4.6 <![CDATA[T t (sample)]]> <2.3 <2.3 F 3.3 3.3 G -2.3 -2.3 A 5.6 5.6 A％ >99.999 >99.999

[0141] The results are as follows: Compared with the untreated control polyester fabric, the number of S. aureus colonies in the treated samples (0 washes and 10 washes) decreased by > 5 log values (> 99.999%). The presence of chitosan did not weaken the antibacterial activity of CA. Chitosan may have an additional effect on the antibacterial activity of the treatment solution because chitosan is known to be an antibacterial agent against fungi, Gram-negative bacteria, and Gram-positive bacteria. In particular, chitosan derivatives also have activity against viruses.

[0142] Example 6

[0143] Example 6 provides the preparation of a water-soluble treatment solution; the manufacture of polyester materials (100% PES; Textiles A and B) with antifungal properties; and the verification of the antifungal properties of the resulting polyester textiles against Aspergillus brasiliensis fungi after several washing cycles. Samples A and B are polyester textiles from two different manufacturers.

[0144] The treatment solution was prepared essentially as described in Example 2, except for the following differences: Sorbitol (CAS No. 50-70-4) was added to a final concentration of 0.6 wt%, and the pH of the solution was adjusted to 2.9. The treatment and washing of polyester fabric samples A and B were completed essentially as described in Example 1.

[0145] The durability of the treated fabric and the obtained antifungal protection were determined by a screening test based on the ISO 13629-2 standard. Briefly, the treated polyester fabric (0.4 g) was inoculated with 2.0 x 10 4 Aspergillus brasiliensis spores (ATCC16404). After a contact time of 44 hours, the surviving Aspergillus brasiliensis spores were eluted from the sample using 20 ml of tryptic soy broth supplemented with 0.07% lecithin and 0.5% . The Aspergillus brasiliensis spores were quantitatively detected by gradient diluting the eluate and plating it on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates, and counting the colonies after 48 hours of incubation. The antifungal activity value (A) was calculated substantially similar to the antibacterial activity value in Example 1 as indicated by the ISO 13629-2 standard. The antifungal (A) values and data used for calculating A are provided in Table 7.

[0146] Table 7 Data for calculating the antifungal activity value (A) of Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 16404) 0x = 0 washes; 6x = 6 washes; 10x = 10 washes.

[0147]

[0148] Based on the antifungal efficacy evaluation criteria given in ISO 13629-2, both treated 100% polyester textiles (A and B) showed a weak antifungal effect, whether after treatment or after 10 or 6 washing cycles. According to visual inspection, no yellowing of the textiles was observed. It is speculated that this may be affected by the presence of the polyol sorbitol in the samples.

[0149] Example 7

[0150] Example 7 provides the preparation of a water-soluble treatment solution; the manufacture of two polyester / spandex blend textiles with antibacterial properties (PES / EA 88 / 12 and PES / EA 92 / 8); and the verification of the antibacterial properties of the resulting synthetic blend textiles against Staphylococcus aureus after several washing cycles.

[0151] The treatment solution was prepared similarly to that described in Example 6. The treatment and washing of the synthetic blend textile samples were completed substantially as described in Example 1.

[0152] The determination of the durability of the treated fabric and the obtained antibacterial protection and the calculation of the antibacterial activity value (A) were completed similarly to that described in Example 1.

[0153] The antibacterial (A) values and data for calculating A are provided in Table 8.

[0154] Table 8 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A) of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) 0x = 0 washes; 8x = 8 washes.

[0155]

[0156] After treatment, the treated synthetic polyester / spandex blend textiles had strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, and after 8 washing cycles, the synthetic polyester / spandex blend textiles had significant or strong antibacterial properties. According to visual inspection, no yellowing of the textiles was observed. It is speculated that this may be affected by the presence of the polyol sorbitol in the samples.

[0157] Example 8

[0158] Example 8 provides a method for antibacterial finishing of synthetic 100% polyester textiles with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid, using sodium hypophosphite as a catalyst. The method involves a two-step heat treatment for drying and curing the textiles respectively.

[0159] At room temperature, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA, CAS No. 1703-58-8), sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (SHP, CAS No. 10039-56-2) and xylitol (CAS No. 87-99-0) were dissolved in deionized water. The final concentration of BTCA was 9%, the final concentration of SHP was 9%, and the final concentration of xylitol was 0.5%. The pH of the treatment solution was adjusted to 3.0 by adding a sufficient amount of 1 mol / L sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH, CAS No. 1310-73-2).

[0160] A sample of polyester fabric (100% PES) was immersed in the treatment solution containing 9% BTCA, 9% SHP and 0.5% xylitol, stirred for one minute, and then padded to a wet pick-up of about 70%. The wet sample was placed in a stenter, first thoroughly dried at 100 °C for 5 minutes, and then cured at 150 °C for 90 seconds. To test the washing durability of the treatment, a portion of the prepared sample was washed ten times substantially as described in Example 1.

[0161] Similar to Example 1, the durability of the treated fabric and the obtained antibacterial protection were determined. The treated textile was inoculated with 2.3x10 4 Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). The contact time for the antibacterial test was 24 hours.

[0162] The antibacterial activity value (A) was calculated in a similar manner as in Example 1. The A values and data used for calculating A are provided in Table 9.

[0163] Table 9 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) BTCA = 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid; SHP = sodium hypophosphite monohydrate; 0x = 0 washes; 10x = 10 washes.

[0164]

[0165] According to the results, by treating 100% PES textiles with a solution containing 9% BTCA, 9% SHP and 0.5% xylitol, strong antibacterial properties against Gram-positive S. aureus were achieved (ISO 20743 evaluation criterion: log reduction > 3). After 10 washing cycles, the number of bacteria on the treated and washed samples was reduced by 92% compared to the untreated samples of the same textile. According to visual inspection, no yellowing of the textile was observed. It is speculated that this may be affected by the presence of the polyol xylitol in the sample.

[0166] Example 9

[0167] Example 9 provides an antibacterial finishing of synthetic 100% polyester textiles with tricarboxylic acid, using sodium hypophosphite as a catalyst. This finishing method involves a one-step heat treatment for drying and curing the textiles.

[0168] At room temperature, tricarboxylic acid (TCA, CAS No. 99-14-9) and sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (SHP, CAS No. 10039-56-2) were dissolved in deionized water. The final concentration of TCA was 8.25%, and the final concentration of SHP was 9%.

[0169] Samples of polyester fabric (100% PES) were immersed in the treatment solution containing 8.25% TCA and 9% SHP, stirred for one minute, and then padded to a wet pick-up of approximately 70%. The wet samples were placed in a stentering machine and heat-treated at 160 °C for 90 seconds for drying and curing. After curing, the fabric samples were thoroughly rinsed with tap water and allowed to rehydrate overnight at room temperature.

[0170] Similar to Example 1, the obtained antibacterial protection of the treated fabric was determined. The treated textiles were inoculated with 5.1 x 10 4 CFU of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). The contact time for the antibacterial test was 24 hours.

[0171] The antibacterial activity value (A) was calculated in a similar manner as in Example 1. The A values and data used for calculating A are provided in Table 10.

[0172] Table 10 Data for calculating the antibacterial activity value (A) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) TCA = tricarboxylic acid; SHP = sodium hypophosphite monohydrate.

[0173] Value TCA+SHP <![CDATA[C0 (Control)]]> 4.8 <![CDATA[C t (Control)]]> 8.0 <![CDATA[T0 (Sample)]]> 4.8 <![CDATA[T t (sample)]]> <2.3 F 3.3 G -2.5 A >5.7 A％ >99.999

[0174] According to the results, strong antibacterial properties against Gram-positive S. aureus (ISO 20743: log reduction > 3) were achieved by treating 100% PES textiles with a solution containing 8.25% TCA and 9% SHP.

[0175] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, with the progress of technology, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above examples, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an antibacterial synthetic textile, comprising the following steps: a) providing a treatment solution containing a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst; b) applying the treatment solution to the synthetic textile to obtain a polycarboxylic acid-treated synthetic textile; and c) curing the polycarboxylic acid-treated synthetic textile.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is selected from one or more of the following: citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarballylic acid (TCA), 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid or their salts, hydrates or isomers.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the catalyst is selected from one or more of the following: sodium hypophosphite (SHP), SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), MSP hydrate or any mixture thereof.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentration of the polycarboxylic acid is in the range of 1 to 20 wt-% based on the total weight of the treatment solution, preferably in the range of 2 to 18 wt-%, more preferably in the range of 5 to 15 wt-%, and even more preferably in the range of 6 to 14 wt-%.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentration of the catalyst is in the range of 1 to 20 wt-% based on the total weight of the treatment solution, preferably in the range of 2 to 18 wt-%, more preferably in the range of 5 to 15 wt-%, and even more preferably in the range of 6 to 14 wt-%.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curing is carried out at a temperature of 130 °C to 180 °C, or 135 °C to 180 °C, or 140 °C to 180 °C, or 145 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 175 °C or 150 °C to 170 °C.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curing is carried out for a period of 5 to 180 seconds, or 10 to 150 seconds, or 15 to 120 seconds or 30 to 60 seconds.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein no drying step is carried out before the curing step c).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the treatment solution is in the range of 2 to 7, or 2 to 6, or 2 to 5, or 2 to 4 or 2 to 3.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dry adhesion rate of the polycarboxylic acid and / or the catalyst is in the range of 0.5% to 20%, preferably in the range of 2% to 18% or 3% to 15%.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymeric material, wherein one or more polymer molecules in the polymeric material each comprise no more than one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group between the two ends, and wherein the free hydroxyl groups are independently selected from hydroxyl groups and carboxylic acid groups.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from the following materials: polyester; Polyamides, such as nylon; polyacrylonitriles, such as acrylics and modified acrylics; Olefins; vinyon; polyethylenes, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastomers; vinylon; aramids, such as Kevlar, Nomex and Twaron; polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polylactic acid (PLA); poly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fibers or any mixture thereof.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment solution is provided by dissolving the polycarboxylic acid and the catalyst in a solvent selected from aqueous solvents, water, alcohols, ethers, ethyl acetate, ketones, DMSO or any mixture thereof.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the solvent is selected from aqueous solvents or water.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment solution further comprises a polyol selected from xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, trimethylolethane and any combination thereof, optionally, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the polyol is in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt-%, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt-%, more preferably 0.3 to 2 wt-%, even more preferably 0.5 to 1 wt-%.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises treating the antibacterial synthetic textile with one or more additional textile treatment agents selected from: wrinkle resistant agents, shrinkage control agents, optical brighteners, water repellents, oil repellents, self-cleaning agents, flame retardants, softeners, odor absorbers, odor control agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, insect repellents, humidity regulators, antistatic agents, anti-pilling agents, anti-slip agents and UV protectants, optionally, wherein the one or more additional textile treatment agents are included in the treatment solution.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile comprises fibers, yarns, filaments, threads and fabrics, such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics and cloths.

18. An antibacterial synthetic textile produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. An antibacterial synthetic textile, the synthetic textile comprising an antibacterial finishing agent, wherein the antibacterial finishing agent comprises a polycarboxylic acid cured in the presence of a catalyst.

20. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to claim 19, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is selected from one or more of the following: citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarboxylic acid (TCA), 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid or their salts, hydrates or isomers.

21. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the catalyst is selected from one or more of the following: sodium hypophosphite (SHP), SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), MSP hydrate or any mixture thereof.

22. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein in the treatment solution cured to form the antimicrobial finishing agent, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the polycarboxylic acid is in the range of 1 to 20 wt-%, preferably in the range of 2 to 18 wt-%, more preferably in the range of 5 to 15 wt-%, and even more preferably in the range of 6 to 14 wt-%.

23. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein in the treatment solution cured to form the antimicrobial finishing agent, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the catalyst is in the range of 1 to 20 wt-%, preferably in the range of 2 to 18 wt-%, more preferably in the range of 5 to 15 wt-%, and even more preferably in the range of 6 to 14 wt-%.

24. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the treatment solution further comprises a polyol selected from xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, trimethylolethane and any combination thereof. Optionally, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the polyol is in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt-%, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt-%, more preferably 0.3 to 2 wt-%, and even more preferably 0.5 to 1 wt-%.

25. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the antimicrobial synthetic textile is treated with an additional textile treatment agent selected from one or more of the following: wrinkle resistant agent, shrinkage control agent, optical brightener, water repellent, oil repellent, self-cleaning agent, flame retardant, softener, odor absorber, odor control agent, antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, antiviral agent, insect repellent, humidity regulator, antistatic agent, anti-pilling agent, anti-slip agent and UV protector.

26. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the antimicrobial synthetic textile is further treated with one or more additional textile treatment agents selected from the following: wrinkle resistant agents, shrinkage control agents, optical brighteners, water repellents, oil repellents, self-cleaning agents, flame retardants, softeners, odor absorbers, odor control agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, insect repellents, humidity regulators, antistatic agents, anti-pilling agents, anti-slip agents, and UV protectants, wherein the one or more additional textile treatment agents are included in the treatment solution.

27. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein curing is carried out at a temperature of 130 °C to 180 °C, or 135 °C to 180 °C, or 140 °C to 180 °C, or 145 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 175 °C or 150 °C to 170 °C, optionally, wherein the curing is carried out for a period of 5 to 180 seconds, or 10 to 150 seconds, or 15 to 120 seconds or 30 to 60 seconds.

28. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the dry adhesion rate of the polycarboxylic acid and / or the catalyst is in the range of 0.5% to 20%, preferably in the range of 2% to 18% or 3% to 15%.

29. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymeric material, wherein one or more polymer molecules in the polymeric material each contain no more than one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule, and there is no free hydroxyl group between the two ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group.

30. The antibacterial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from the following materials: polyester; Polyamides, such as nylon; polyacrylonitriles, such as acrylic and modified acrylic; Olefins; vinyon; polyethylenes, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastomeric fibers; vinylon; aramids, such as Kevlar, Nomex and Twaron; polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polylactic acid (PLA); poly-para-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fibers or mixtures thereof.

31. The antimicrobial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 19 to 30, wherein the textile includes fibers, yarns, filaments, threads and fabrics, such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics and cloths.

32. Use of a polycarboxylic acid as an antimicrobial finishing agent on synthetic textiles.

33. The use according to claim 32, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is selected from one or more of the following: citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarboxylic acid (TCA), 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannosaccharic acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid or their salts, hydrates or isomers.

34. Use according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is cured in the presence of a catalyst, and the catalyst is selected from one or more of the following: sodium hypophosphite (SHP), SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), MSP hydrate, or any mixture thereof.

35. Use according to claim 34, wherein in the treatment solution cured to form the antibacterial finishing agent, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the polycarboxylic acid ranges from 1 to 20 wt-%, preferably from 2 to 18 wt-%, more preferably from 5 to 15 wt-%, and even more preferably from 6 to 14 wt-%.

36. Use according to claim 34 or 35, wherein in the treatment solution cured to form the antibacterial finishing agent, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the catalyst ranges from 1 to 20 wt-%, preferably from 2 to 18 wt-%, more preferably from 5 to 15 wt-%, and even more preferably from 6 to 14 wt-%.

37. Use according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the treatment solution further comprises a polyol selected from xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, trimethylolethane, and any combination thereof. Optionally, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, the concentration of the polyol ranges from 0.1 to 5 wt-%, preferably from 0.2 to 3 wt-%, more preferably from 0.3 to 2 wt-%, and even more preferably from 0.5 to 1 wt-%.

38. Use according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the synthetic textile is treated with one or more additional textile treatment agents selected from the following: wrinkle-resistant agent, shrinkage control agent, optical brightening agent, water repellent, oil repellent, self-cleaning agent, flame retardant, softening agent, odor absorber, odor control agent, antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, antiviral agent, insect repellent, humidity regulator, antistatic agent, pilling resistance agent, anti-slip agent, and UV protection agent.

39. Use according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the synthetic textile is further treated with one or more additional textile treatment agents selected from the following: wrinkle-resistant agent, shrinkage control agent, optical brightening agent, water repellent, oil repellent, self-cleaning agent, flame retardant, softening agent, odor absorber, odor control agent, antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, antiviral agent, insect repellent, humidity regulator, antistatic agent, pilling resistance agent, anti-slip agent, and UV protection agent, and wherein the one or more additional textile treatment agents are included in the treatment solution.

40. Use according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein curing is carried out at a temperature of 130 °C to 180 °C, or 135 °C to 180 °C, or 140 °C to 180 °C, or 145 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 180 °C, or 150 °C to 175 °C or 150 °C to 170 °C, and optionally, wherein curing is carried out for a period of 5 to 180 seconds, or 10 to 150 seconds, or 15 to 120 seconds or 30 to 60 seconds.

41. Use according to any one of claims 32 to 40, wherein the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymeric material, wherein one or more polymer molecules in the polymeric material each comprise no more than one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group between the two ends, and wherein the free hydroxyl groups are independently selected from hydroxyl groups and carboxylic acid groups.

42. The use according to any one of claims 32 to 41, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from the following materials: polyester; Polyamides, such as nylon; polyacrylonitriles, such as acrylics and modacrylics; Olefins; vinyon; polyethylenes, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastane; vinylon; aramids, such as Kevlar, Nomex and Twaron; polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polylactic acid (PLA); poly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fibers or mixtures thereof.

43. Use according to any one of claims 32 to 42, wherein the textile comprises fibers, yarns, filaments, threads and fabrics, such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics and cloths.

44. A product comprising the antibacterial synthetic textile according to any one of claims 18 to 31, and optionally, wherein the product is selected from clothing; footwear; personal protective equipment; accessories, such as hats, scarves, gloves, belts and ties; bags; luggage; backpacks; towels; interior textiles, such as bedding, cushions, blankets, curtains, drapes, furniture fabrics, floor and wall coverings and automotive interiors; sports and outdoor equipment; medical textiles, such as wound dressings, bandages, masks, gloves and surgical gowns; toys; industrial products, such as filters, conveyor belts, geotextiles, industrial fabrics, sunshade nets, crop covers, packaging materials, insulation materials, gaskets, seals and tyre cords; and electronic devices, such as headphones, microphones and speakers.

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