Modified fibre material

Abstract

The present application relates to a fibre material comprising at least one fibre, to which at least one secondary plant substance is covalently bonded, wherein the at least one fibre comprises, on the surface, chemically reactive groups selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, NH2, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO- und -C=C-, which are at least partially covalently bonded to the at least one secondary plant substance.

Description

[0001] MODIFIED FIBER MATERIAL

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a functional fiber material and the production and use thereof.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Natural and synthetic fibers are the base materials for a wide range of consumer goods. The application of each material is determined by its physical and chemical properties. Since these are often insufficient to meet the requirements of the manufactured consumer item, further finishing processes for the base material are necessary. The production of a wide variety of consumer goods, such as textiles, by modifying the fiber materials with functional additives is common practice. Examples include modifications such as coating natural fibers such as cellulose with antistatic, bactericidal, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or flame-retardant substances.

[0006] A major disadvantage of previous fiber materials, however, is the use of environmentally harmful functional chemicals, which can be released from the fiber material during washing or abrasion processes and enter the environment. Around 8,000 chemicals, for example, are used in textile production, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic. These include substances such as a variety of pigments for dyeing, phosphoric acid esters for antistatic treatment, and tetraalkylammonium compounds for the antimicrobial treatment of a wide variety of fiber materials. Most functional chemicals are used merely as processing aids during textile production and are washed off or out again during the manufacturing process.

[0007] The diverse use of modified or refined fibers in a variety of areas highlights the usefulness of such materials, but it has been shown that the solutions available to date have low environmental compatibility and sustainability in terms of toxicology and degradability.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sustainable fiber material which has modified properties, extended usability and high environmental compatibility.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Therefore, the present invention relates to a fiber material comprising at least one fiber to which at least one secondary plant substance is covalently bonded, wherein the at least one fiber comprises chemically reactive groups on the surface selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH2, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO- and -C=C-, which are at least partially covalently bonded to the at least one secondary plant substance.

[0011] Surprisingly, it has been shown that the functional properties of a secondary plant substance can be specifically modified by covalently bonding it to a fiber material, and that the covalent bond between fibers and secondary plant substance can provide a robust and sustainable fiber material. Depending on the structure and properties of the secondary plant substance, the properties of the material can be influenced by covalently bonding it to a fiber material without the use of toxic and / or environmentally harmful chemicals. Secondary plant substances are natural components of our daily diet and therefore pose no danger to humans or the environment because they are made from biological, sustainable raw materials. Secondary plant substances are biogenic substances, in contrast to functional chemicals, which are usually used in the state of the art to modify fiber materials.

[0012] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a process for producing a fiber material of the present invention comprising the step of bringing at least one fiber into contact with at least one secondary plant substance, wherein the at least one fiber comprises chemically reactive groups on the surface selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH2, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, - COOR, -NHCOO- and -C=C-, which are at least partially covalently bondable to the at least one secondary plant substance.

[0013] It has been shown that environmentally friendly and sustainable fiber material with modified properties can be produced using the process according to the invention. By using unchanged biological raw materials in the process of the present invention, the CO2 footprint can be reduced, among other things, in contrast to conventional production processes. By functionalizing fibers using the process according to the present invention, a usage function can be realized that is typical for a specific intended use of the corresponding article. The secondary plant substance(s) can be applied to the fibers or fiber material, for example, by spraying, applying, impregnating, coating using an exhaust process, washing in (optionally with ultrasound assistance), mixing, washing, or combinations thereof.The secondary plant substances can be applied to the entire fiber material or, depending on the application, only to specific areas. For example, secondary plant substances can be distributed proportionally within the fiber material, and a further portion can be applied to the exterior of the fiber material in liquid form (e.g., solution, emulsion, dispersion) and / or solid form (e.g., single-part pigments).

[0014] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a fiber material according to the present invention for producing textile structures, preferably yarns, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, braids, scrims, felt or nonwovens.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] "Fiber," as used here, refers to a linear, elementary structure consisting of a fibrous material. The fibrous material can be a biogenic fiber (natural fiber) or an organic fiber (synthetic fiber). The fiber has an external fiber shape, which results from the longitudinal shape and the cross-sectional shape of the fiber. The length-to-diameter ratio should be at least between 3:1 and 10:1; for many textile applications, it is over 1000:1. Fibers cannot absorb compressive forces in the longitudinal direction, but only tensile forces.

[0017] The term "secondary plant substances" in relation to the present invention refers to substances that are produced neither in energy metabolism nor in anabolic or catabolic metabolism. They are produced in certain plant cell types and are distinguished from primary plant substances in that they are not directly essential for the plant. Biosynthetic pathways that lead to the production of secondary plant substances are summarized under the term "secondary metabolism." In contrast to the products of primary plant metabolism, secondary plant substances are specific chemical metabolites. These metabolites are usually limited to a specific plant species or group and are derived from primary metabolism.Based on their chemical structure and functional properties, secondary plant substances are divided into various groups, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, terpenes, terpenoids, saponins, protease inhibitors, phytosterols, and lectins. Secondary plant substances such as isoprenoids, resins, terpenes, and polyphenols are also present in wood and its particles.

[0018] The at least one secondary plant substance has the ability to covalently bond or accumulate adhesively with the fiber surface in the direct, monomolecular contact layer. This means that the at least one secondary plant substance reacts with reactive groups located on the surface of the at least one fiber. The at least one fiber therefore comprises chemically reactive groups on its surface that are at least partially covalently bonded to the at least one secondary plant substance."At least partially" in the sense of the present invention means that at least 10 wt%, preferably at least 20 wt%, preferably at least 30 wt%, preferably at least 40 wt%, preferably at least 50 wt%, preferably at least 60 wt%, preferably at least 70 wt%, preferably at least 80 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt%, of the at least one secondary plant substance is covalently bonded to the chemically reactive groups on the surface of the fiber material. The at least one secondary plant substance can also be entirely (i.e. 100 wt%) covalently bonded to the chemically reactive groups of the fiber material. Reactive groups that are suitable for forming a covalent bond with one or more secondary plant substances include -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH2, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO- and / or -C=C- groups.These reactive groups are either already present on the at least one fiber, or the at least one fiber is modified accordingly using known methods. This is particularly advantageous because the fiber surface modification allows the application of certain reactive groups that can form a covalent bond with certain secondary plant substances. This makes it possible to modify the entire surface of the fiber material with various secondary plant substances.

[0019] In the fiber material according to the invention, secondary plant substances are bound by covalent bonds in such a way that so-called wash permanence can be achieved. This can also be achieved in particular by a combination of covalent bonding and adhesive anchoring of the secondary plant substance to the fiber material. Wash permanence can be determined, for example, by repeated washing or by other methods known to those skilled in the art (e.g. based on DIN 53770). DIN 53770, for example, describes a method in which an aqueous extract of the modified fiber material is prepared, which is carried out, for example, at a pH of 5.5, the secondary plant substances contained therein are quantified and compared with the amount of secondary plant substances originally used.It has been shown that the effect of the at least one secondary plant substance in the fiber material is particularly evident at a certain amount. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fiber material comprises 0.1 to 10 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 5 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.3 to 3 wt.%, of the at least one secondary plant substance.

[0020] In order to impart antistatic, abrasion-resistant, absorbent, odor-neutralizing, insecticidal, acaricidal, preferably antimicrobial properties or a combination thereof to the fiber material according to the invention, the at least one secondary plant substance is preferably a terpenoid or a polyphenol.

[0021] Terpenes are compounds whose basic structure is built on isoprene units (C5 units). Terpenoids are also built on isoprene units, which are characterized by additional functional groups, whereas terpenes consist of pure hydrocarbons. Terpenoids include, among others, alcohol, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, and glycoside groups, which represent chemically reactive groups. Polyphenols are chemical compounds from the group of phenols or hydroxyaromatics. Polyphenols are usually found in the outer layers of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Polyphenols exhibit several aromatic rings in their chemical structure and can contain pigments, flavors, and tannins. They usually protect plants from predators or can attract insects for pollination with their color.In some plants, polyphenols also serve as protection for the photosynthesis apparatus due to their antioxidant effect and the filtering of high-energy UV-B radiation.

[0022] To classify terpenoids, a general distinction is made between acyclic, mono-, bi-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and polycyclic terpene structures—molecules with, without, one, two, three, four, five, or more rings, respectively. Depending on their molecular size, terpenoids serve as fragrances (e.g., pheromones or repellents), as adhesives, and as protection against viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases. Terpenoids also make up a large proportion of known essential oils. Essential oils are widely used to repel insects. A large number of terpenoids also possess antimicrobial activity. Terpenoids are active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.

[0023] Cyclic terpenoids, preferably bicyclic terpenoids, are often used as solvents in surface treatment agents, in household products (e.g. shoe polishes, floor cleaning agents), as fragrance additives in cosmetics and are a natural component of plant foods (e.g. in oranges, lemons, carrots).

[0024] According to the invention, terpenoids, preferably cyclic terpenoids, can be covalently bonded to the fiber material to modify the properties of the fiber material accordingly. This makes it possible to "integrate" terpenoid properties into / onto the fiber material. Fiber material modified in this way therefore exhibits properties that are also exhibited by the terpenoids used.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a monocyclic or polycyclic terpenoid, preferably a bicyclic, tricyclic, tetracyclic, or pentacyclic terpenoid. According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a monoterpenoid selected from the group consisting of pyrethrin, thymol, cineole, thujanol, perillic acid, linalool, myrcenol, citral, citronellal, geranic acid, junione, chrysanthemol, menthol, terpineol, verbenol, carveol, piperitone, and camphor, preferably pyrethrin, thymol, cineole, thujanol, and / or perillic acid.

[0026] Monoterpenoids consist of two isoprene units, forming a basic structure with 10 carbon atoms. Monoterpenoids are primarily used in industry as fragrances. The covalent bonding of monoterpenoids to fiber materials can, for example, produce fiber materials that can be used to prevent unpleasant odors in textiles, upholstery, etc.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a sesquiterpenoid selected from the group consisting of farnesin, bisabolol, armillarin, merulidial, hirsutic acid, nerolidol, zingiberene, germacrane, periplanone, elemol, guaian and cedrane, preferably farnesin, bisabolol, armillarin, merulidial and / or hirsutic acid.

[0028] Sesquiterpenoids consist of three isoprene units, i.e., a basic structure with 15 carbon atoms. Sesquiterpenoids are primarily used as fragrances and flavorings.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a diterpenoid selected from the group consisting of agelasin, larixol, dehydroabietinol, abietic acid, bolegrevilol, aframodial, phytol, retinol, primarane, nimbiol, forskolin, labdanolic acid, cassaic acid, gibberelan, isopimaric acid, dehydroabietinol and abietic acid, preferably agelasin, larixol, dehydroabietinol, abietic acid, bolegrevilol and / or aframodial.

[0030] Diterpenoids are composed of four isoprene units (2-methylbutadiene) and can be divided into open-chain and cyclic compounds. Diterpenoids are found in many resins, for example, and often exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a sesterpenoid selected from the group consisting of ircinin, neomanoalid, cericeran and dehydroircinin.

[0032] Sesterterpenoids consist of five isoprene units and are found primarily in lower plants, fungi, or potato leaves. Sesterpenoids are known, among other things, for their antibacterial effects (e.g., ircinin). Preferably, the covalent bonding of sesterpenoids to the fiber material can provide a material with antimicrobial properties.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a triterpenoid selected from the group consisting of limonoids, lanosterol, fusidan, fusidic acid, euphan, dammarane, cucurbitan, cucurbitacin, betulin, and betulinic acid. Triterpenoids comprise six isoprene units, i.e., a basic structure with 30 carbon atoms. The tetracyclic triterpenoids (lanosterane type, for example) include the important group of steroids and the cucurbitacins. Among the pentacyclic compounds, a distinction is made between oleanane, ursane, and lupane triterpenoids, depending on their basic structure. These occur, for example, as triterpenoid alcohols and triterpenoid acids in resins (resino acids and resinols) or as triterpenoid sapogenins (saponins). Many triterpenoids have important biological functions, e.g., as hormones.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a tetraterpenoid selected from the group consisting of carotene, crocetin and lycopene.

[0035] Tetraterpenoids comprise eight isoprene units, meaning the basic structure consists of 40 carbon atoms. Tetraterpenoids include fat-soluble pigments (lipochromes) found in archaea, bacteria, plants, and animals. These include carotenes, pure hydrocarbons such as lycopene, and their oxygen-containing derivatives, the xanthophylls. The binding of a tetraterpenoid to the fiber material can, for example, lead to the coloration / discoloration of the fiber material.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a polyterpenoid selected from the group consisting of betulaprenol, oleanolic acid, ubiquinone and dolochol.

[0037] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polyphenol is a polyhydroxyphenol, preferably a tannin, a suberin or a lignin.

[0038] Tannins include polyhydroxyphenols with ortho-positioned hydroxyl groups, particularly derivatives (esters) of gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) with glucose and related sugars. Depending on the degree of condensation, tannins can be classified as gallotannins (e.g., glucogallin) or ellagitannins (e.g., pendunculagin). The free hydroxyl groups enable cross-linking with polymers as well as with proteins. This allows amino acids or proteins present on the surface of cells and viruses to be absorbed by the fiber material according to the invention. Gases such as oxygen, H2S, and ammonia can also be absorbed by the reactive groups of the bound polyphenols.

[0039] Suberin is a hydrophobic biopolymer embedded in plant cell walls. As a hydrophobic material, suberin has the natural function of sealing roots and preventing water from passing through.

[0040] Lignin comprises a group of macromolecules made up of various monomer units (coumaryl, coniferyl, sinapy alcohols, etc.). Lignin is characterized by structures based on phenol complexes (phenylpropanoids) with hydroxyl, methoxy, and aryloxy substituents. Lignin is hydrophobic and exhibits particular absorption capacity for binding polyvalent metal ions (Fe, Mn, Gr, etc.) as well as UV light with wavelengths in the range of 100 to 300 nm.

[0041] By covalently binding a suberin and / or lignin to the fiber material, the material can, for example, acquire hydrophobic, absorptive and / or UV-resistant properties or these properties can be improved.

[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tannin is a gallotannin or an ellagitannin.

[0043] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polyphenol is selected from the group consisting of phytoalexins, preferably resveratrol, flavonols, preferably taxifols, catechins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, phlobaphenes, resveratrol and isoflavones.

[0044] Phytoalexins, for example, are low-molecular, antimicrobial, and antioxidant organic compounds that can be produced by the plant immediately after infection by microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi) to inhibit their spread, growth, or reproduction within the plant. By binding phytoalexins to the fiber material, the material can thus be imparted antimicrobial properties. According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one secondary plant substance is a tree resin, preferably rosin, frankincense, mastic, or balsam.

[0045] Surprisingly, it has been shown that a significant portion of the antibiotic, and particularly the antimicrobial, effect of compounds is not based on various metabolic influences in microorganisms, but rather on the adhesive properties of solid resins (such as rosin). The physical spread of microbes can be inhibited or prevented by the covalent / adhesive bond of a tree resin to the fiber material, since fungal mycelium, insects, mites, bacteria, viruses, and the like adhere to the resin due to adhesive forces. The secondary plant substance can be incorporated partially or entirely in the form of tree resin, preferably rosin, frankincense, mastic, or balsam. In this context, "entirely" means that all secondary plant substances in the fiber material according to the invention (i.e., 100% by weight of the secondary plant substances) are present as tree resin, frankincense, mastic, or balsam."Proportionately" means that at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 5% by weight, even more preferably at least 10% by weight, even more preferably at least 20% by weight, even more preferably at least 30% by weight, even more preferably at least 40% by weight, even more preferably at least 50% by weight, even more preferably at least 60% by weight, even more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight, even more preferably at least 90% by weight, of the secondary plant substances in the form of tree resin, frankincense, mastic or balsam are comprised in the fiber material.

[0046] According to the present invention, the at least one fiber can have different properties such as strength, texture, size, shape, or origin. Fibers are divided into natural fibers (natural fibers) and created organic fibers (synthetic fibers). The at least one fiber is preferably a natural fiber or preferably a synthetic fiber.

[0047] Natural fibers are fibers that originate from natural sources such as plants, animals, or minerals and can be used directly without further chemical conversion reactions. Cellulose-based synthetic fibers are fibers that are produced from cellulose by chemical-technical processes. According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the natural fiber is a plant fiber, preferably a cotton fiber, or a cellulose-based synthetic fiber, preferably a viscose fiber, modal fiber, or lyocell fiber.

[0048] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the natural fiber is an animal fiber, preferably wool or silk.

[0049] Synthetic fibers are made from fiber-forming synthetic macromolecular substances (polymers) that arise from simple chemical substances (monomers) during polymerization reactions. According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the synthetic fiber is a polyester fiber, a polyamide fiber, a preferably oxidatively pretreated polyethylene fiber, a preferably oxidatively pretreated polypropylene fiber, a polyacrylic ester fiber, or a polyacrylonitrile fiber.

[0050] The fiber material according to the invention can comprise fibers of different origins, as explained above. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the fiber material comprises at least one fiber from at least two fiber sources. For example, the fiber material according to the invention can comprise 40 to 60% cotton fibers and 40 to 60% other fibers (e.g., sheep's wool fibers or polyester fibers).

[0051] The fixation of the secondary plant substance to the fiber material occurs through covalent bonding and / or adhesive layer structure between the reactive groups of the at least one fiber and the at least one secondary plant substance. In other words, this means that between the at least one secondary plant substance and the at least one fiber, or the fiber material, not only an adhesive connection or a physical bond can exist, but also a chemical bond. The covalent bond is created when the at least one secondary plant substance is brought into contact with the surface of the fiber. The at least one fiber is characterized by a reactive surface, which during or after contact with the secondary plant substance can optionally accelerate the reaction, e.g.elevated temperature (preferably 30 to 80°C, more preferably 30 to 60°C), microwaves, ultrasound and / or pressure to accelerate the formation of covalent bonds.

[0052] The covalent bond between fiber material and secondary plant substance can be enabled or improved by (co-)using multifunctional reactive partners such as spacer structures, i.e., coupling spacers such as isocyanates and / or epoxides. Such spacer structures / coupling spacers are known to those skilled in the art and can be di- or trifunctional, capped isocyanates present in aqueous form, or difunctional epoxides in aqueous dispersion, dicarboxylic acids, diepoxides, di- or polyisocyanates, diaziridines, or chain extenders. These multifunctional reactive partners can be activated by applying thermal energy, irradiation with UV light, or in a "one-pot" reaction. This activation of the reactive partners further accelerates the formation of covalent bonds between fiber material and secondary plant substance. This allows coating processes to be optimized and shortened.In addition to the secondary plant substances, the fiber material can comprise other substances that modify the properties of the material. These substances can enhance or expand the properties of the fiber material obtained by the secondary plant substances. According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fiber material comprises wood particles that can serve as latent stores of secondary plant substances, processing aids, preferably finishing agents, lubricants, light stabilizers, UV protectants to prevent yellowing, softeners to increase fluffiness, pigments, matting agents, biocidal, acaricidal, and / or fungicidal active ingredients that are not secondary plant substances.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the secondary plant substances are introduced partially or entirely in the form of finely divided plant parts, preferably fine wood parts or wood particles.

[0054] "In its entirety" means that all secondary plant substances in the fiber material according to the invention (i.e. 100% by weight of the secondary plant substances) are present as wood particles. "Proportionately" means that at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 5% by weight, even more preferably at least 10% by weight, even more preferably at least 20% by weight, even more preferably at least 30% by weight, even more preferably at least 40% by weight, even more preferably at least 50% by weight, even more preferably at least 60% by weight, even more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight, even more preferably at least 90% by weight, of the secondary plant substances are comprised in the fiber material in the form of wood particles. The secondary plant substances can therefore be present partially or entirely in the form of finely divided plant parts, in particular within or on the fiber surface of the fiber material.

[0055] The finely divided plant parts can enhance or expand the properties of secondary plant substances that were not introduced by finely divided plant parts. Depending on their origin, the finely divided plant parts can contain a specifically high proportion of secondary plant substances. Thus, based on their natural composition of secondary plant substances, the finely divided plant parts can be introduced onto or into the fiber material for various applications. Preferably, the secondary plant substances can be introduced in the form of wood particles with other secondary plant substances. For example, larch wood with a high diterpenoid content can be advantageously combined with the addition of isolated (e.g. extract) oak tannin. The introduced finely divided plant parts can have the same origin or be mixtures of finely divided plant parts of different origins.Preferably, the secondary plant substances can be introduced partially or entirely in the form of finely divided plant parts, preferably wood particles, of different origins. This allows the different natural properties of the introduced secondary plant substances to be combined and utilized. For example, pine wood particles and Swiss stone pine wood particles can be introduced in order to combine the naturally occurring secondary plant substances of the wood. Preferably, the secondary plant substances are introduced partially or entirely in the form of fine wood particles or wood particles. The introduced fine wood particles or wood particles are preferably native fine wood particles or wood particles. The term "native fine wood particles or wood particles" refers to fine wood particles or wood particles that are not further processed by carbonization, charring, or burning.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wood particles have a particle size of less than 50 pm, preferably less than 40 pm, even more preferably less than 30 pm, even more preferably less than 20 pm, even more preferably from 0.1 pm to 20 pm, even more preferably from 0.5 to 10 pm, even more preferably from 1 pm to 5 pm. Such finely divided wood particles can be produced, for example, by cryogenic grinding, preferably using impact mills or colloid mills.

[0057] The size of the wood particles can preferably be determined by sieve analysis according to DIN 66165-1-2016-08 or DIN 66165-2. At least 70%, preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99%, in particular 100%, of the wood particles used according to the invention have the above-mentioned particle size. The wood particles can have any shape.

[0058] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wood particles are selected from softwood particles, preferably spruce wood particles, fir wood particles, pine wood particles, stone pine wood particles, cedar wood particles, thuja wood particles, yew wood particles or larch wood particles, hardwood particles, preferably beech wood particles, poplar wood particles, birch wood particles, oak wood particles or eucalyptus wood particles, or mixtures thereof.

[0059] It has been shown that it is advantageous to adjust the ratio between secondary plant substances and wood particles in order to further emphasize the desired effects.

[0060] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing the fibre material. This comprises the step of bringing at least one fibre into contact with at least one secondary plant substance. Before or during the contacting, further steps can be carried out, such as treating the fibre material with plasma, ultrasound, etching, etc. Subsequent treatments, such as thermal fixation or light-induced anchoring of the secondary plant substances and the fibre material can also be advantageous in order to generate stable composites. In order to introduce or produce reactive groups on the fibre or the fibre material, the fibre material or the at least one fibre can be modified.The modification of the fiber material can be carried out both during fiber formation (filament formation) by integration into the fiber structure and, preferably, subsequently on the fiber surface or the surface of the fiber material.

[0061] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one secondary plant substance is in the form of an extract or eluate. Secondary plant substances can be obtained by methods such as steam distillation, extraction, or chromatography. For example, young plants typically yield terpene hydrocarbons, and older plants increasingly yield oxygen-containing derivatives such as alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Methods for obtaining secondary plant substances are known from the prior art. The term "extract" in the sense of the present invention refers to extracts of solid, liquid, and / or oily nature from plants, in particular their fruits, roots, rhizomes, stems, shoots, leaves, kernels, or seeds, which were obtained by extraction.In the present invention, "eluate" is understood to mean a solid, liquid and / or oily substance removed or dissolved from plants, in particular their fruits, roots, rhizomes, stems, shoots, leaves, kernels or seeds, which were obtained by chromatographic separation processes.

[0062] One advantage of using extracts and eluates is the natural composition of the components of the secondary plant substances they contain. A particular advantage is that the bioavailability of the secondary plant substances contained in extracts can be higher than when using synthetic compounds.

[0063] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fiber material as described above is used for the production of textile fabrics, preferably filters, covers for upholstery, mattresses, pillow fillings, curtains, floor coverings, carpets, clothing, preferably functional clothing for sports applications, hygiene articles, wipes and / or insulating materials.

[0064] Examples include modifying the absorption properties of a fiber material. The absorption properties of fibers play an important role in a number of applications, such as textiles. It is important that the fibers have a high moisture absorption capacity with subsequent rapid release of the absorbed, stored moisture. The present invention enables the use of modified, environmentally friendly fiber materials with increased absorption properties for absorbing liquids such as water or body fluids such as sweat, blood, or urine.

[0065] A further application includes the decontamination of liquids and gases or the protection against microbes by the absorption and / or elimination of germs on filter materials, face masks, plasters, wound bandages or hygiene articles made from various fibers. Disinfectants are used extensively in everyday life to prevent the spread of microbes and microbial infections, e.g. in healthcare, the food industry, agriculture or in common household products. A major problem resulting from the extensive use of disinfectants, however, is the constant contamination of the environment by these agents. Disinfectants are usually provided in solutions and applied directly to contaminated surfaces, e.g. in hospitals, on laboratory equipment or on skin wounds. If these substances are not, e.g.neutralized by autoclaving, they accumulate in wastewater. Biocidal materials such as antimicrobial plastics, coatings or textiles, e.g. in the food packaging industry, in wound dressings or functional clothing, also accumulate in the environment and can be constantly washed out. Such contamination can ultimately lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains. By applying the present invention, the physical absorption of bacteria, viruses, molds and / or their spores on the surface of the fiber material is a great advantage because it prevents the use of physiologically and ecologically harmful fungicides and antibiotics. A further field of application of the present invention concerns its use as packaging material. For packaging films, it is advantageous to prevent or minimize the influence of oxygen on the packaged goods.By applying the present invention, the perishability / shelf life of food can be improved, since ecologically and health-safe secondary plant substances would bind the oxygen at relevant points of the fiber material, such as the inside of the packaged goods.

[0066] EXAMPLES

[0067] In game 1:

[0068] A stable, finely divided cationic dispersion of rosin with a solids content of 35 wt% was prepared according to Examples 8 and 9 of EP 0 406 461. EP 0 406 461 deals with rosin-based "paper sizing agents". In this process, drying takes place at a temperature of 30 to 35 °C, at which temperatures rosin and the resin acids mainly contained therein (such as abietic acid) do not form a covalent bond with cellulose molecules. 100 parts by weight of the dispersion prepared according to EP 0 406 461 were diluted with 250 parts by weight of deionized water with constant stirring to obtain a liquor with a solids content of 10%.

[0069] A blended fabric comprising 55% TENCEL (cellulose fiber made using the Lyocell process; Lenzing) and 45% cotton with a surface weight of 110 g / m 2During padding at 35° to 40°C and subsequent roller squeezing, 38% of the liquor was absorbed, which corresponded to 3.8% by weight of rosin based on the cellulose fibres.

[0070] Subsequent drying and fixation at 180 to 250°C for a period of 10 to 12 seconds resulted in a product with excellent antimicrobial activity (log 3.2; DIN EN ISO 20743) and inhibitory effect on the growth of mold fungi (Aspergillus niger; DIN EN 14119).

[0071] Example 2:

[0072] To a liquor according to Example 1, 5 parts by weight of oak tannin with a fineness of 0.5 to 1.0 pm, 3 parts by weight of poly-DADMAC (polydiallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; a water-soluble organic polymer used in the paper industry as a fixing agent) as a dispersant, and 4.5 parts by weight of MEIKANATE CX (as a 20% dispersion in water; cationically blocked hexamethylene diisocyanate as a spacer, bonding link between tannin and cellulose) were added. The total solids content of the liquor was 14.5%.

[0073] A blended fabric comprising 55% TENCEL (cellulose fiber made using the Lyocell process; Lenzing) and 45% cotton with a surface weight of 110 g / m 2 During padding at 35° to 40°C and subsequent roller squeezing, 46% of the liquor was absorbed, which corresponded to 6.7% by weight of active substance based on the fabric.

[0074] The fabric was dried at 200°C for 10 seconds and fixed. The fabric produced using this process demonstrated a pronounced bactericidal effect (log 3.8; gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria) according to DIN EN ISO 20743. Furthermore, the fixation of house dust mites and their eggs to the fiber surface was observed microscopically, significantly reducing the proliferation of house dust mites. The adhesive effect of the covalently bound rosin and the denaturing properties of the covalently bound tannin continue to determine the effect even at the micro- and nanoscale.

[0075] Example 3:

[0076] A cationic dispersion of mastic with a solids content of 25% was prepared analogously to Examples 8 and 9 of EP 0 406 461. However, the pH of 7.0 was adjusted not with hydrochloric acid, but with a 15% solution of perillic acid in 70% formic acid.

[0077] After dilution to liquor concentration, the dispersion contained 7.5% mastic, 0.4% perillic acid and 2.5% cationic co-polymethacrylate as a reactive auxiliary colloid.

[0078] A blended fabric comprising 55% TENCEL (cellulose fiber made using the Lyocell process; Lenzing) and 45% cotton with a surface weight of 110 g / m 2 During padding at 35° to 40°C and subsequent roller squeezing, 36% of the liquor was absorbed, which corresponded to 6.7% by weight of active substance based on the fabric.

[0079] The fabric was dried at 180°C for 20 seconds and then cured. The resulting fabric exhibited a pronounced fungicidal effect according to DIN EN 14119. This fungicidal effect extended particularly to Aspergillus niger, but also to skin-causing fungi such as Candida albicans and Candida kef yr.

[0080] This makes such fabrics particularly suitable for suppressing mite populations, which essentially require fungal cultures.

[0081] In addition, there is also a very good antibacterial effect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Fiber material comprising at least one fiber to which at least one secondary plant substance is covalently bonded, wherein the at least one fiber comprises on the surface chemically reactive groups selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH2, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO- and -C=C-, which are at least partially covalently bonded to the at least one secondary plant substance.

2. Fiber material according to claim 1, characterized in that the fiber material comprises 0.1 to 10 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 5 wt%, particularly preferably 0.3 to 3 wt%, of the at least one secondary plant substance.

3. Fiber material according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one secondary plant substance is a terpenoid or a polyphenol.

4. Fiber material according to claim 3, characterized in that the terpenoid is a monocyclic or polycyclic, preferably a bicyclic, tricyclic, tetracyclic or pentacyclic, terpenoid.

5. Fiber material according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a monoterpenoid selected from the group consisting of pyrethrin, thymol, cineole, thujanol, perillic acid, linalool, myrcenol, citral, citronellal, geranic acid, junione, chrysanthemol, menthol, terpineol, verbenol, carveol, piperitone and camphor, preferably pyrethrin, thymol, cineole, thujanol and / or perillic acid.

6. Fiber material according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a sesquiterpenoid selected from the group consisting of farnesin, bisabolol, armillarin, merulidial, hirsutic acid, nerolidol, zingiberene, germacrane, periplanon, elemol, gua an and cedrane, preferably farnesin, bisabolol, armillarine, merulidial and / or hirsutic acid.

7. Fiber material according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a diterpenoid selected from the group consisting of agelasin, larixol, dehydroabietinol, abietic acid, bolegrevilol, aframodial, phytol, retinol, primarane, nimbiol, forskolin, labdanolic acid, cassaic acid, gibberelan, isopimaric acid, dehydroabietinol and abietic acid, preferably agelasin, larixol, dehydroabietinol, abietic acid, bolegrevilol and / or aframodial.

8. Fiber material according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a sesterpenoid selected from the group consisting of ircinin, neomanoalid, cericeran and dehydroircinin.

9. Fiber material according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a triterpenoid selected from the group consisting of limonoids, lanosterol, fusidan, fusidic acid, euphan, dammarane, cucurbitan, cucurbitacin, betulin and betulinic acid.

10. Fiber material according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a tetraterpenoid selected from the group consisting of carotene, crocetin and lycopene.

11. Fiber material according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a polyterpenoid selected from the group consisting of betulaprenol, oleanolic acid, ubiquinone and dolochol.

12. Fibre material according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the polyphenol is a polyhydroxyphenol, preferably a tannin, a suberin or a lignin.

13. Fiber material according to claim 12, characterized in that the tannin is a gallotannin or an ellagitannin.

14. Fiber material according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the polyphenol is selected from the group consisting of phytoalexins, preferably resveratrol, flavonols, preferably taxifolen, catechins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, phlobaphenes, resveratrol and isoflavones.

15. Fibre material according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one secondary plant substance is a tree resin, preferably rosin, frankincense, mastic or balsam.

16. Fiber material according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the at least one fiber is a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber.

17. Fiber material according to claim 16, characterized in that the natural fiber is a vegetable fiber, preferably a cotton fiber or a cellulose-based synthetic fiber, preferably a viscose fiber, modal fiber or lyocell fiber.

18. Fibre material according to claim 16, characterized in that the natural fibre is an animal fibre, preferably wool or silk 19. Fiber material according to claim 16, characterized in that the synthetic fiber is a polyester fiber, a polyamide fiber, a preferably oxidatively pretreated polyethylene fiber, a preferably oxidatively pretreated polypropylene fiber, a polyacrylester fiber or a polyacrylonitrile fiber 20. Fiber material according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the at least one fiber has at least one spacer structure on its surface to which the at least one secondary plant substance is covalently bound.

21. Fiber material according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the fiber material comprises wood particles, processing aids, preferably finishing agents, lubricants, light stabilizers, pigments, matting agents, biocidal, acaricidal and / or fungicidal active ingredients.

22. Fibre material according to claim 21, characterized in that the wood particles have a particle size of 0.1 pm to 20 pm, preferably 1 pm to 5 pm.

23. Fibre material according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the wood particles are selected from softwood particles, preferably spruce wood particles, fir wood particles, pine wood particles, stone pine wood particles, cedar wood particles, thuja wood particles, yew wood particles or larch wood particles, hardwood particles, preferably beech wood particles, poplar wood particles, birch wood particles, oak wood particles or eucalyptus wood particles, or mixtures thereof.

24. A process for producing a fiber material according to any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising the step of bringing at least one fiber into contact with at least one secondary plant substance, wherein the at least one fiber comprises chemically reactive groups on the surface selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH2, -NH-, -CONH-, - NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO- and -C=C-, which are at least partially covalently bondable to the at least one secondary plant substance.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the at least one fiber is exposed to elevated temperature, microwaves, ultrasound and / or pressure during or after the contacting.

26. A method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the at least one fiber is a fiber as defined in any one of claims 1 or 16 to 20 and / or the at least one secondary plant substance is a secondary plant substance as defined in any one of claims 3 to 15.

27. A process according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the at least one secondary plant substance is in the form of an extract or eluate. 28 . Use of a fiber material according to one of the claims 1 to 23 for the production of textile structures, preferably yarns, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, braids, scrims, felt or nonwovens.

29. Use of a fiber material according to one of claims 1 to 23 for the production of textile knits, preferably filters, covers for upholstery, mattresses, pillow fillings, curtains, floor coverings, carpets, clothing, preferably functional clothing for sports applications, hygiene articles, wipes and / or insulating materials.