A high-loft natural antibacterial fiber velvet material based on elsholtzia splendens copper ion enrichment fiber and a preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper ion-enriched fibers from *Elsholtzia ciliata*, its preparation method, and its applications. It relates to the field of natural fiber materials technology and includes the following steps: cultivating *Elsholtzia ciliata* in a copper-containing environment and collecting its root and / or stem tissues; cleaning, pre-treating, and fiberizing the tissues to retain naturally fixed copper ions in the plant cell walls within the fiber structure; preparing a lightweight, high-loft, high-volume-ratio fiber fleece material with durable antibacterial properties through at least one of the following processes: high-pressure steam expansion, bio-based polymer cross-linking enhancement, and composite with natural functional additives; this fiber fleece can be further processed into filling materials, textile yarns, non-woven fabrics, or woven fabrics for application in daily-use or functional textile fields. The fiber fleece material of this invention is naturally derived and achieves broad-spectrum antibacterial effects without additional metal loading treatment, possessing significant environmental value and promising industrial application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of natural fiber materials technology, and in particular to a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper ion-enriched fibers of Elsholtzia ciliata, its preparation method and application. Background Technology

[0002] Elsholtziasplendens is a typical copper hyperaccumulator and copper-tolerant plant native to China. It is widely distributed naturally around copper mines and in areas with copper-contaminated soil. Its physiological characteristics allow the plant to grow normally in high-concentration copper environments. It efficiently accumulates copper ions in its root, stem, and leaf tissues through cell wall adsorption, complexation, and deposition. The cell walls of the roots are particularly outstanding in their ability to adsorb and fix copper ions, making them the core tissue structure for copper ion accumulation and tolerance. Currently, there is basic research and application of this plant in the field of bioremediation of copper-contaminated soil, but it has not yet been developed and utilized as a raw material for textile fibers. The fiber structure characteristics of its roots and stems have not been combined with the functional characteristics of copper accumulation, resulting in a gap in the functional utilization of plant resources.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream technology in the industry for imparting antibacterial properties to textile filling materials is the finishing modification method. This involves loading inorganic copper salts (such as copper sulfate), nano-copper particles, copper-based compounds, or chemically synthesized antibacterial agents onto the surface of fibers or fabrics through processes such as padding, coating, and impregnation. While this method can achieve short-term antibacterial effects, it suffers from several intractable technical drawbacks: the antibacterial components are only physically or weakly bonded to the fibers, making them prone to detachment during textile use and washing, leading to rapid decay of antibacterial properties and poor durability. Furthermore, the detached heavy metal ions or chemical antibacterial agents can easily cause water and soil pollution, posing a risk of biotoxicity. Additionally, the additional loading process alters the original fiber structure, damaging its bulk. Physical properties such as looseness and softness lead to a deterioration in the hand feel and a decrease in thermal insulation of textiles. Some chemical reagents can also affect the breathability and safety of fibers, making them unsuitable for textiles that come into direct contact with the human body, such as underwear and bedding. Post-processing requires multiple production steps such as padding, curing, and washing, resulting in a complex process flow and high costs for equipment investment and production control, which is not conducive to large-scale industrial applications. Therefore, developing a technology to prepare high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece materials using the inherent copper enrichment characteristics of natural plants is of great practical significance and industrial value for the green upgrading of the textile industry. This technology can solve the durability and environmental protection problems of existing antibacterial filling fibers and fully explore the resource utilization value of Elsholtzia ciliata. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the core of this invention is to utilize the natural copper ion accumulation characteristic of Elsholtzia ciliata, processing the copper-enriched plant roots and stems into fibers. These fibers are then processed through three main processes: washing pretreatment, high-pressure fluffing and expansion, and cross-linking reinforcement with auxiliary materials. This process produces a lightweight, fluffy, large-volume fiber fleece material with natural antibacterial properties. Furthermore, this fiber fleece can be further processed into yarns, fabrics, non-woven fabrics, etc., for use in down comforters, pillows, functional clothing, underwear, etc.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper ion-enriched fiber of Elsholtzia ciliata, which is made from copper ion-enriched root and / or stem fiber of Elsholtzia ciliata. The copper ions are fixed in the fiber structure in the form of adsorption, complexation or deposition in plant cell walls; the copper content in the fiber is 200–1500 mg / kg.

[0006] A method for preparing a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper ion-enriched fibers from Elsholtzia champaca includes the following steps:

[0007] S1. Cultivating Elsholtzia ciliata in copper-containing environments;

[0008] S11. Substrate preparation: Copper-bearing soil is naturally enriched soil from the vicinity of the copper mine, or artificially prepared cultivation substrate;

[0009] S12. Sow or transplant under suitable climatic conditions until the plants mature and have fully accumulated copper ions;

[0010] S2. Collect the roots and / or stems of mature plants;

[0011] S21. Harvest mature plants of Elsholtzia ciliata, prioritizing the collection of taproots, lateral roots and main stems with appropriate diameter and moderate lignification.

[0012] S22. Remove attached soil and non-target tissues, and cut the roots and stems into lengths suitable for subsequent processing to obtain primary raw materials;

[0013] S3. The roots and / or stems are cleaned and pretreated by at least one of the following methods: water washing, steam cleaning, weak acid washing or a combination thereof, to remove surface impurities and retain cell wall-bound copper ions;

[0014] S4. The pretreated material is subjected to fibrosis treatment; the fibrosis treatment includes biological enzymatic hydrolysis, and the enzyme used is one or more of cellulase, hemicellulase or pectinase;

[0015] S5. Fiber fleece is prepared by at least one fluffing and volumetric process; the fluffing and volumetric process includes: high-pressure steam expansion, bio-based polymer cross-linking reinforcement and natural functional auxiliary material compounding;

[0016] S6. Drying and shaping to prepare the finished product of copper-enriched fiber fluff from Elsholtzia champaca;

[0017] Drying: Hot air drying, vacuum freeze drying or microwave drying methods are used;

[0018] Setting: During or after drying, gentle opening, combing or air-laid techniques are used to form a uniform, fluffy, fuzzy or web-like final shape of the fibers.

[0019] Furthermore, in S3, the water washing step is as follows: using flowing clean water or deionized water, the roots and / or stems of Elsholtzia ciliata are thoroughly rinsed or soaked to remove most of the attached soil, dust and some water-soluble salts through physical rinsing and dissolving.

[0020] The steps of steam cleaning are as follows: Low-pressure saturated steam is directly sprayed or the raw material is steamed in a closed environment. Through the combined action of heat and water, oily impurities and some of the biofilm attached to the surface are softened and removed.

[0021] The steps for weak acid washing are as follows: use citric acid, acetic acid or dilute hydrochloric acid solution for soaking or rinsing.

[0022] Furthermore, in step S4, during the enzymatic hydrolysis process, gentle mechanical kneading or low-intensity shearing dispersion is applied before, during, or after the enzymatic hydrolysis to promote fiber bundle separation without significantly damaging the fiber length; after enzymatic hydrolysis, the reaction is terminated by heating to inactivate the enzyme or adjusting the pH, and the primary plant fiber is obtained after thorough washing.

[0023] Furthermore, in S5, the high-pressure steam expansion process is as follows: the pretreated fiber is placed in a high-pressure steam chamber for rapid thermal expansion, causing the fiber to expand under the interaction of water vapor and pressure, thereby obtaining a lightweight, high-volume fiber pile structure; this process further disperses the fiber bundles through mechanical rolling.

[0024] Furthermore, in step S5, the fiber is cross-linked and reinforced using bio-based polymers, which are selected from alginate, chitosan, starch derivatives, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Furthermore, in S5, it is compounded with natural antibacterial or functional excipients: the excipients are selected from zinc oxide, plant polyphenols, organic acids or combinations thereof.

[0026] Application of a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber down material based on copper ion-enriched fiber of Elsholtzia champaca in the preparation of down comforters, down jackets, pillows, quilts, underwear or other textiles.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) This invention fully utilizes the natural adsorption, complexation and deposition characteristics of copper ions on the cell walls of Elsholtzia ciliata roots and stems, so that copper ions exist in the fiber structure in a stable cell wall-bound state, without the need for additional loading of inorganic copper salts, nano copper or chemical antibacterial agents through finishing methods such as padding and coating, thus solving the problem of easy detachment of metal ions and rapid decay of antibacterial effect in traditional antibacterial materials from the root; (2) The naturally bound copper ions of this invention have a significant inhibitory effect on bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with a 24-hour contact antibacterial rate of ≥94%, strong antibacterial broad spectrum, and low concentration. The copper ions bound to the cell wall are non-irritating to human skin, meet the safety standards for textiles, and are suitable for textile applications such as close-fitting clothing and bedding that come into direct contact with the human body; (3) This invention uses exclusive fluffing volume enhancement processes such as high-pressure steam expansion and bio-based polymer crosslinking, combined with gentle opening and combing shaping technology, to make the fiber fluff form a porous and curly fluffy structure. It not only has a lower apparent density, higher fluffiness and volume ratio, but also better resilience than down and polyester cotton, and good fluffy durability; when used as a filling material, it can effectively improve the thermal insulation performance and soft feel of textiles, while solving some natural plant problems. The problem of low bulkiness and easy caking of the fiber is solved. The comprehensive physical performance is far superior to that of traditional polyester cotton, and is comparable to or even better than down. It can achieve a high-quality replacement for traditional filling materials such as down and polyester cotton; (4) The raw material of this invention, Elsholtzia ciliata, is a typical copper-tolerant plant in copper mines and copper-contaminated soil areas. Its natural copper ion enrichment characteristics can realize the natural enrichment and resource utilization of copper resources in copper-containing environments. This invention uses its roots and stems as raw materials. The raw materials are natural and renewable. At the same time, when Elsholtzia ciliata is artificially cultivated on a large scale for the preparation of raw materials for this invention, it can carry out bioremediation of copper-contaminated soil and soil around copper mines, reducing the risk of infection. While reducing heavy metal pollution, it improves resource utilization. There is no additional heavy metal emission during the production process. Compared with traditional chemically modified antibacterial materials, it significantly reduces the environmental load during production and use, which is in line with the green and environmentally friendly industrial development trend. (5) The fiber fleece material prepared by this invention has multiple characteristics such as natural antibacterial, high fluffiness, light weight, and environmental protection. It can meet the diversified market demand for antibacterial, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and multifunctional textiles. It fills the market gap of existing natural plant fiber materials without antibacterial properties and traditional antibacterial materials with poor physical properties. The product has high added value and has significant industrial application value and market competitiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of copper ion enrichment in Elsholtzia ciliata plants.

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of Elsholtzia splendens fiber fleece material Figure 1 .

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of Elsholtzia splendens fiber fleece material Figure 2 .

[0031] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of Elsholtzia splendens fiber fleece material Figure 3 .

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the morphology of Elsholtzia ciliata fiber.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber fluff structure after high-pressure steam expansion.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the application of fiber fleece in filled products. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. All equivalent transformations made based on the technical solution of the present invention fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] This embodiment presents a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper-enriched fibers from Elsholtzia champaca. The fiber fleece is made from copper-enriched root and / or stem fibers. Copper ions are fixed in the fiber structure through adsorption, complexation, or deposition within the plant cell walls. The copper content in the fiber is 200–1500 mg / kg. This fiber fleece is lightweight, highly fluffy, has a high volume ratio, and exhibits antibacterial properties. The antibacterial properties originate from the inhibitory effect of naturally enriched copper ions on bacteria, fungi, or molds, without the need for additional inorganic copper salts or metallic copper particles.

[0037] Detection of copper enrichment characteristics in raw materials: In order to determine the optimal raw material part of Elsholtzia ciliata, the copper ion content of its roots, stems and leaves was detected, and the results are shown in Table 1; the tissue distribution ratio of copper ions in the roots was detected, and the results are shown in Table 2.

[0038] Table 1. Distribution of copper ion content in different parts of Elsholtzia ciliata (mg / kg, dry weight)

[0039] Plant parts Mean copper content ± SD n Statistical test Roots 1125±185 6 p<0.01 vs stems and leaves stem 685±142 6 p<0.01 vs Ye blade 215±67 6 —

[0040] Statistical methods: One-way ANOVA, Tukey post-hoc test.

[0041] As shown in Table 1, the copper ion enrichment characteristics of Elsholtzia ciliata are concentrated in the root and stem parts, so the root and stem parts were selected as raw materials.

[0042] Table 2. Distribution of copper ions in the roots of Elsholtzia champaca at the tissue level (%)

[0043] Distribution area Mean of copper distribution ratio ± SD n Cell wall bound state 62.4±6.8 5 cytoplasm 18.7±4.3 5 vacuole 14.1±3.9 5 other 4.8±1.6 5

[0044] Statistical methods: descriptive statistics + analysis of variance (p<0.05).

[0045] As shown in Table 2, copper ions in the roots of Elsholtzia ciliata mainly exist in the cell wall bound state (accounting for 62.4% ± 6.8%). The cell wall bound copper ions are not easily detached and can be slowly released to exert antibacterial effects, which is the core basis for the antibacterial durability and environmental friendliness of the material of this invention.

[0046] The relationship between substrate copper concentration and raw material copper content: Three pot experiments were set up with sandy loam as the substrate. The copper concentration in the planting substrate was artificially adjusted to: low copper group: 200 mg / kg, medium copper group: 500 mg / kg, and high copper group: 1000 mg / kg. Each group was planted with 30 Elsholtzia ciliata seedlings. After 4 months of cultivation under standard greenhouse conditions: temperature 20-28℃, light 12h / d, and soil moisture 60%-80%, the copper content of the roots was detected and the suitability for fiber processing was analyzed.

[0047] The copper content in roots was determined using ICP-OES. Table 3 shows a comparison of the copper content in roots grown from different substrate concentrations and their suitability for fibrosis processing.

[0048] Table 3. Copper content in roots grown from substrates of different concentrations and suitability for fibrous processing.

[0049] Matrix copper concentration (mg / kg) Copper content in roots (mg / kg) Suitability of fiber processing 200 280±45 Excellent, with intact fibers 500 750±120 Excellent, with intact fibers 1000 1320±200 Excellent, with intact fibers

[0050] As shown in Table 3, by controlling the effective copper concentration of the planting substrate within the range of 200-1000 mg / kg, it is possible to stably obtain Haizhou Xiangru rhizome raw materials with a copper content between 200-1500 mg / kg, and the plants are in good growth condition, which is suitable for subsequent fiberization processing.

[0051] A high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper ion-enriched fibers from Elsholtzia champaca and its preparation method thereof, comprising the following steps:

[0052] S1. Plant Elsholtzia ciliata in copper-containing soil or in a substrate with artificially controlled copper concentration;

[0053] S11. Substrate preparation: Copper-bearing soil is naturally enriched soil from the vicinity of the copper mine, or artificially prepared cultivation substrate;

[0054] S12. Under suitable climatic conditions, such as a daytime temperature of 20-28℃, sow or transplant, maintain soil moisture at 60%-80% of field capacity, and manage regular light and nutrients. The cultivation cycle is 3 to 5 months until the plants mature and have fully accumulated copper ions.

[0055] S2. Collect the roots and / or stems of mature Elsholtzia ciliata plants and perform preliminary treatment on them;

[0056] S21. Harvest mature plants of Elsholtzia ciliata, prioritizing the collection of taproots, lateral roots and main stems with appropriate diameter and moderate lignification.

[0057] S22. Remove attached soil and non-target tissues (such as leaves), and cut the roots and stems into lengths suitable for subsequent processing to obtain primary raw materials.

[0058] S3. Clean and pre-treat the roots and / or stems of Elsholtzia champaca;

[0059] To specifically retain cell wall-bound copper and further purify fibers, at least one of the following methods can be used: water washing, steam cleaning, weak acid washing, or a combination thereof, to remove surface impurities and retain cell wall-bound copper ions.

[0060] Washing: Use running clean water or deionized water to thoroughly rinse or soak the roots and / or stems of Elsholtzia ciliata. Through physical rinsing and dissolving, most of the attached soil, dust and some water-soluble salts are removed.

[0061] Steam cleaning: Low-pressure saturated steam (e.g., pressure 0.05-0.2MPa, time 1-5 minutes) is used to directly spray or steam raw materials in a closed environment. This method effectively softens and removes oily impurities and some biofilms attached to the surface through the combined action of heat and moisture. It also has the effect of preliminary sterilization and loosening of fibrous tissue.

[0062] Weak acid washing: Use a 0.1%-1.0% solution of citric acid, acetic acid or dilute hydrochloric acid, and soak or circulate for a short time (e.g. 5-30 minutes) at room temperature or with moderate heating (e.g. 20-50℃). This process can dissolve and remove alkaline metal salts, metal oxides and some unstable weakly bound copper compounds adsorbed on the surface of the raw materials. Afterwards, it is necessary to rinse thoroughly with deionized water until neutral to terminate the acid reaction and retain stable cell wall bound copper.

[0063] S4. The pretreated material is subjected to fibrosis treatment; the fibrosis treatment includes biological enzymatic hydrolysis, and the enzymes used are one or more of cellulase, hemicellulase or pectinase.

[0064] Treat for 2-8 hours at pH 4.5-5.5 and temperature 45-55℃; before, during, or after enzymatic hydrolysis, use gentle mechanical kneading or low-intensity shearing to promote fiber bundle separation without significantly damaging fiber length; after enzymatic hydrolysis, stop the reaction by heating to inactivate the enzyme or adjusting the pH, and then wash thoroughly with water to obtain primary plant fiber.

[0065] S5. Fiber fleece is prepared by at least one fluffing and volume formation process; the fluffing and volume formation process includes: high-pressure steam expansion, bio-based polymer cross-linking enhancement and natural functional auxiliary material compounding.

[0066] High-pressure steam expansion process: to make the fibers form a porous, crimped or hollow structure.

[0067] Table 4. Key process parameters for fiber fluff preparation and their impact on loft.

[0068] Process conditions Steam pressure (MPa) Time (min) Loftiness (%) ± SD n low strength 0.3 5 71.2±4.9 5 medium intensity 0.6 8 86.7±3.8 5 High strength 0.9 10 90.5±4.1 5

[0069] Statistical method: ANOVA, p<0.05 (medium / high intensity vs. low intensity)

[0070] As shown in Table 4, the parameters for the high-pressure steam puffing process are as follows: the bulkiness (86.7% and 90.5%) of medium strength (0.6MPa, 8min) and high strength (0.9MPa, 10min) are significantly higher than that of low strength (71.2%). Moreover, the medium strength process can balance bulkiness and fiber strength, thereby avoiding fiber breakage caused by high strength. Therefore, it is the preferred process parameter.

[0071] The high-pressure steam expansion process involves placing pretreated fibers in a high-pressure steam chamber for rapid thermal expansion, causing the fibers to expand under the interaction of water vapor and pressure, thereby obtaining a lightweight, high-volume fiber pile structure; this process further disperses the fiber bundles through mechanical rolling.

[0072] Parameters: Place fibers with a moisture content of 30%-60% in a sealed container, introduce saturated steam, control the pressure at 0.6MPa, maintain for 5 to 15 minutes, and then release the pressure instantly;

[0073] Post-processing: Immediately after depressurization, the hot and wet fibers are mechanically combed or tumbled by airflow to fully expand and curl them, forming a porous structure.

[0074] The fibers are cross-linked and reinforced using bio-based polymers, which are selected from alginate, chitosan, starch derivatives or combinations thereof.

[0075] The specific process of cross-linking and reinforcing fibers with bio-based polymers is as follows:

[0076] Natural polymers such as sodium alginate or xanthan gum are mixed with copper-enriched fibers in a wet state. Through physical cross-linking and light chemical cross-linking (non-toxic CaCl2 activation), a network polymer structure is formed, which improves the elasticity and stability of the fiber.

[0077] Crosslinking agent: Prepare a 0.5%-3.0% solution of sodium alginate, chitosan (soluble in weak acid), or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0078] Composite: Impregnate or spray the expanded fibers with the above solution to ensure uniform contact.

[0079] Curing: For sodium alginate, ionic cross-linking curing is performed using a 1%-5% calcium chloride solution; for chitosan, pH can be adjusted or a gel network can be formed through thermal curing; after cross-linking, drying is performed to form an internally reinforced three-dimensional network structure.

[0080] Compounded with natural antibacterial or functional excipients: The excipients are selected from zinc oxide, plant polyphenols, organic acids or combinations thereof.

[0081] The specific process of adding natural antibacterial auxiliary materials (synergistic compound) is as follows:

[0082] In the fiber processing stage, copper-rich fibers are combined with natural antibacterial agents (such as zinc oxide, chitosan, citric acid crosslinkers, etc.) to prepare fiber filaments or nonwoven fabrics. This not only improves the antibacterial properties but also enhances the surface stability between the fibers and the auxiliary materials. (Even without adding these auxiliary materials, the copper enriched in the fibers themselves already has the core antibacterial function. Adding auxiliary materials is the preferred solution to enhance the effect or give additional functions.)

[0083] Composite method: Natural functional materials such as nano zinc oxide, plant polyphenol extracts (such as tea polyphenols), and organic acids (such as citric acid) are combined with fibers through impregnation, blending, or coating.

[0084] Immobilization: The above-mentioned biopolymers are used as adhesive carriers, or functional excipients are anchored on the fiber surface and in the pores through a mild cross-linking reaction.

[0085] S6. After drying and shaping, the copper-enriched fiber wool product of Elsholtzia ciliata is prepared.

[0086] Drying: Use hot air drying, vacuum freeze drying or microwave drying to control the final moisture content of the material to below 12%.

[0087] Setting: During or after drying, gentle opening, combing or air-laid web techniques can be used to make the fiber fluff form a uniform, fluffy, fuzzy or web-like final shape.

[0088] Quality verification: Random samples of finished fiber fleece are taken and their fluffiness and antibacterial properties are determined according to national standard methods.

[0089] Antibacterial performance test

[0090] Tested bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans

[0091] Antibacterial rate target: ≥90% (24h contact)

[0092] Comparison sample: Ordinary plant fiber without copper enrichment

[0093] Table 5. Comparison of antibacterial properties between copper-enriched fibers from Elsholtzia ciliata and ordinary fiber materials (24h)

[0094] Material type Escherichia coli inhibition rate (%) ± SD Staphylococcus aureus inhibition rate (%) ± SD n The fiber fleece of this invention 96.8±2.1 94.3±2.7 6 Non-copper-enriched plant fibers 42.5±6.3 38.9±5.8 6 Polyester fiber 12.4±4.1 10.7±3.9 6

[0095] Statistical method: t-test, p<0.001 for the invention group vs. the control group.

[0096] As shown in Table 5, the Staphylococcus aureus inhibition rate and Escherichia coli inhibition rate of the fiber fleece of the present invention are significantly higher than those of the control group (non-copper enriched plant fiber and polyester fiber). By comparing with the existing mainstream filling materials (polyester fiber) and similar unmodified materials (non-copper enriched plant fiber), the technical advantage of the natural antibacterial properties of the present invention is that it does not require the addition of chemical antibacterial agents or artificial loading of metals, but the antibacterial effect is far superior to that of existing materials.

[0097] Table 6. Fiber Physical Properties Test

[0098] index Test methods Target range Apparent density GB / T Standard ≤0.03g / cm³ fluffiness Compression rebound test ≥85% volume ratio Unit mass volume ≥1.2 times that of traditional polyester fiber Moisture content Drying method ≤10%

[0099] Table 7 Comparison of the comprehensive performance of fiber fleece with traditional filling materials

[0100] Material Apparent density (g / cm³) ± SD volume ratio Rebound rate (%) ± SD n Haizhou Elsholtzia fiber fleece 0.026±0.004 1.35 88.6±3.2 5 Down 0.028±0.005 1.30 85.4±4.1 5 Polyester cotton 0.035±0.006 1.00 72.1±5.6 5

[0101] Statistical method: ANOVA. The material of this invention is significantly superior to polyester cotton in terms of volume ratio and resilience (p<0.05).

[0102] As shown in Table 7, the apparent density, volume ratio and resilience of the fiber fleece of the present invention are superior to those of polyester cotton and are close to those of down. The apparent density is lower (lighter), the volume ratio is higher (more fluffy), and the resilience is higher (better fluffy and durable), which proves that the material of the present invention can replace down (down has lower cost and better antibacterial properties) and polyester cotton (down has better performance and is more environmentally friendly).

[0103] Applications of a natural antibacterial fiber down material based on the copper ion enrichment characteristics of Elsholtzia ciliata: filling material for down comforters and down jackets (high-loft fiber down replaces traditional down, with a higher volume / weight ratio and antibacterial properties); functional underwear and sleepwear (natural copper ions provide antibacterial / deodorizing functions, suitable for close-fitting clothing); pillow and mattress filling (improves breathability, antibacterial and anti-mite properties); sportswear and medical auxiliary materials (providing a material basis for the development of antibacterial fibers); its performance advantages are as follows: lightweight and fluffy (high volume): high-pressure expansion + bio-adhesive cross-linking greatly increases fiber volume; natural antibacterial: copper ions have broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and can significantly inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi; green and environmentally friendly: all natural bio-based raw materials are used, with no heavy metal release pollution; multifunctional: can be made into textile yarn, non-woven fabric, and filling material; human-friendly: no toxic chemical residues, suitable for close-fitting clothing.

Claims

1. A high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on Elsholtzia splendens copper ion-enriched fibers, characterized in that, Made from copper-rich roots and / or stem fibers of Elsholtzia ciliata, where copper ions are fixed in the fiber structure through adsorption, complexation, or deposition within the plant cell walls; the copper content in the fiber is 200–1500 mg / kg.

2. A preparation method of a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber velvet material based on Elsholtzia sea copper ion enrichment fiber, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Cultivating Elsholtzia ciliata in copper-containing environments; S11. Substrate preparation: Copper-bearing soil is naturally enriched soil from the vicinity of the copper mine, or artificially prepared cultivation substrate; S12. Sow or transplant under suitable climatic conditions until the plants mature and have fully accumulated copper ions; S2. Collect the roots and / or stems of mature plants; S21. Harvest mature plants of Elsholtzia ciliata, collecting the main root, lateral roots and main stem; S22. Remove attached soil and non-target tissues, and cut the roots and stems into lengths suitable for subsequent processing to obtain primary raw materials; S3. The roots and / or stems are cleaned and pretreated by at least one of the following methods: water washing, steam cleaning, weak acid washing or a combination thereof, to remove surface impurities and retain cell wall-bound copper ions; S4. The pretreated material is subjected to fibrosis treatment; the fibrosis treatment includes biological enzymatic hydrolysis, and the enzyme used is one or more of cellulase, hemicellulase or pectinase; S5. Fiber fleece is prepared by at least one fluffing and bulking process; The bulking process includes: high-pressure steam puffing, bio-based polymer cross-linking reinforcement, and compounding with natural functional additives; S6. Drying and shaping to prepare the finished product of copper-enriched fiber fluff from Elsholtzia champaca; Drying: Hot air drying, vacuum freeze drying or microwave drying methods are used; Setting: During or after drying, gentle opening, combing or air-laid techniques are used to form a uniform, fluffy, fuzzy or web-like final shape of the fibers.

3. The method for preparing a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper ion-enriched fibers of Elsholtzia champaca according to claim 2, characterized in that: In S3, the water washing step is as follows: using flowing clean water or deionized water, the roots and / or stems of Elsholtzia ciliata are thoroughly rinsed or soaked to remove most of the attached soil, dust and some water-soluble salts through physical rinsing and dissolving. The steps of steam cleaning are as follows: Low-pressure saturated steam is directly sprayed or the raw material is steamed in a closed environment. Through the combined action of heat and water, oily impurities and some of the biofilm attached to the surface are softened and removed. The steps for weak acid washing are as follows: use citric acid, acetic acid or dilute hydrochloric acid solution for soaking or rinsing.

4. The preparation method of the high-loft natural antibacterial fiber velvet material based on the Heshouzhang chrysanthemum copper ion enrichment fiber according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step S4, during the enzymatic hydrolysis process, gentle mechanical kneading or low-intensity shearing dispersion is applied before, during, or after the enzymatic hydrolysis to promote fiber bundle separation without significantly damaging the fiber length. After enzymatic hydrolysis, the reaction is terminated by heating to inactivate the enzyme or adjusting the pH, and the primary plant fiber is obtained after thorough washing.

5. The preparation method of the high-loft natural antibacterial fiber velvet material based on the Heshouzhang chrysanthemum copper ion enrichment fiber according to claim 2, characterized in that: In S5, the high-pressure steam expansion process is as follows: the pretreated fiber is placed in a high-pressure steam chamber for rapid thermal expansion, so that the fiber expands under the interaction of water vapor and pressure, thereby obtaining a lightweight, high-volume fiber pile structure; the fiber bundles are further dispersed by mechanical rolling.

6. A method for preparing a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper ion-enriched fibers of Elsholtzia champaca according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that: In step S5, the fiber is cross-linked and reinforced using bio-based polymers, which are selected from alginate, chitosan, starch derivatives, or combinations thereof.

7. A method for preparing a high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material based on copper ion-enriched fibers of Elsholtzia champaca according to claim 2, 5, or 6, characterized in that: In S5, it is compounded with natural antibacterial or functional excipients: the excipients are selected from zinc oxide, plant polyphenols, organic acids or combinations thereof.

8. The high-loft natural antibacterial fiber fleece material according to claim 1, characterized in that, Applications in the preparation of down comforters, down jackets, pillows, quilts, underwear, or other textiles.

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