Modified Fiber Materials

Abstract

The present patent application relates to a textile material comprising at least one fiber having at least one secondary plant compound covalently bonded thereto, wherein the at least one fiber comprises on its surface chemically reactive groups selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO-, and -C=C-, which are at least partially covalently bonded to the at least one secondary plant compound.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to functional textile materials, and to their production and use. [Background technology]

[0002] Natural and synthetic fibers are the base materials for various consumer goods. The range of use of each material is determined by the physical and chemical properties of the fiber material. The consumer goods produced from them often do not meet their intended purpose, so further refinement processes of the base material are necessary. The corresponding modification of fiber materials by adding functional additives to produce various consumer goods, such as textiles, is a common practice. Examples include coating natural fibers, such as cellulose, with antistatic, antibacterial, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or flame-retardant materials.

[0003] However, a fundamental drawback of traditional textiles is the use of environmentally harmful functional chemicals, which can be released from textiles during washing or abrasion processes and enter the environment. For example, approximately 8,000 chemicals are used in textile manufacturing, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic. These include, among others, several pigments for dyeing, phosphate esters for imparting antistatic properties, and tetraalkylammonium compounds for imparting antibacterial properties to various textile materials. Most functional chemicals are only used as processing aids during textile manufacturing and are washed away again during the manufacturing process.

[0004] The diverse uses of modified or refined fiber materials in different areas demonstrate the usefulness of such materials, but conventional solutions have shown poor environmental compatibility and sustainability in terms of toxicology and degradability.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide sustainable textile materials with modified properties, longer usability and high environmental compatibility. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Thus, the present invention relates to a textile material comprising at least one fiber to which at least one secondary plant compound is covalently bonded, wherein at least one fiber comprises on its surface chemically reactive groups selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO-, and -C=C-, which are at least partially covalently bonded to the at least one secondary plant compound.

[0007] Surprisingly, it has been shown that covalently binding secondary plant compounds to fiber materials can targetably modify the functional properties of the material, and that the covalent bond between the fiber and the secondary plant compounds can provide robust and sustainable fiber materials. Depending on the structure and properties of the secondary plant compounds, the properties of the material can be manipulated by covalently binding them to the fiber material without the use of toxic and / or environmentally harmful chemicals. Secondary plant compounds are natural components of daily nutrition and therefore do not pose a risk to the environment or humans because they are products of biologically sustainable raw materials. Secondary plant compounds are materials of biological origin, in contrast to the functional chemicals typically used in state-of-the-art technologies to modify fiber materials.

[0008] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing the fiber material of the present invention, comprising the step of contacting at least one fiber with at least one secondary plant compound, wherein the at least one fiber comprises chemically reactive groups on its surface selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO-, and -C=C- that are capable of at least partially covalently bonding to the at least one secondary plant compound.

[0009] It has been shown that the method of the present invention can be used to produce environmentally friendly and sustainable textile materials with modified properties. The use of unmodified biological raw materials in the method of the present invention can, among other things, reduce the carbon footprint compared to common manufacturing processes. Functionalizing fibers using the method of the present invention can achieve the typical use functions for the specific intended use of the corresponding article. The secondary plant compound can be applied to fibers or textile materials, for example, by spraying, painting, impregnation, coating by evacuation, wash-in, optionally with ultrasound assistance, mixing, washing, or a combination thereof. Here, the secondary plant compound can be applied to the entire textile material or only to specific locations depending on the use. For example, the secondary plant compound can be proportionally distributed within the textile material, and a further portion can be applied to the exterior of the textile material in liquid form (e.g., solution, emulsion, dispersion) and / or solid form (e.g., very fine pigments).

[0010] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the fiber material according to the invention for producing textile structures, preferably yarns, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, warp knitted fabrics, wetlaid fabrics, felts or nonwoven fabrics. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] As used herein, "fiber" refers to a linear, basic structure made of a fibrous material. The fibrous material may be of biological origin (natural fibers) or organic (synthetic fibers). A fiber has an external fiber shape resulting from its longitudinal shape and a cross-sectional shape. The length-to-diameter ratio should be at least 3:1 to 10:1. In many textile applications, it is higher than 1000:1. Fibers cannot absorb any pressure in the longitudinal direction, only tensile forces.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "secondary plant compounds" refers to substances that are not produced in energy metabolism or in the construction (anabolic) or decomposition (catabolic) metabolism. They differ from primary plant materials in that they are produced in specific cell types of plants and are not directly important to the plant. Biosynthetic pathways leading to the production of secondary plant compounds are collectively referred to as secondary metabolism. Secondary plant compounds are specific chemical metabolites, in contrast to the primary metabolites of plants. These metabolites are usually restricted to specific plant species or groups and originate from primary metabolism. Depending on their chemical structure and functional properties, secondary plant compounds are divided into various groups, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, terpenes, terpenoids, saponins, protease inhibitors, phytosterols, and lectins. Secondary plant compounds, such as isoprenoids, resins, terpenes, and polyphenols, are also present, for example, in wood and its particles.

[0013] At least one secondary plant compound has the potential to covalently bond to or adhere to and accumulate on the fiber surface in a direct monomolecular contact layer. This means that at least one secondary plant compound reacts with reactive groups present on the surface of at least one fiber. Thus, at least one fiber contains reactive groups on its surface that are at least partially covalently bonded to at least one secondary plant compound. As used herein, "at least partially" means that at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, preferably at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight of the at least one secondary plant compound is covalently bonded to the chemically reactive groups on the surface of the fiber material. At least one secondary plant compound can also be completely (i.e., 100% by weight) covalently bonded to the chemically reactive groups of the fiber material. Suitable reactive groups for forming covalent bonds with one or more secondary plant compounds include -OH, -CO-, -COOH, -CHO, -NH, -NH-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -COOR, -NHCOO-, and / or -C=C- groups. These reactive groups are either already present in at least one fiber, or at least one fiber is modified accordingly by known methods. This is particularly advantageous because the modification of the fiber surface allows the application of specific reactive groups capable of forming covalent bonds with specific secondary plant compounds. Thus, it is possible to modify the entire surface of a fiber material with various secondary plant compounds.

[0014] In the textile material of the present invention, the secondary plant compounds are covalently bonded so that so-called wash durability can be achieved. This can be achieved, in particular, by combining adhesive fixation of the secondary plant compounds to the textile material with covalent bonding. Wash durability can be determined, for example, by repeated washing or other methods known to those skilled in the art (e.g., based on DIN 53770). For example, DIN 53770 describes a method for producing an aqueous extract of the modified textile material, which is carried out, for example, at pH 5.5, and quantifying the secondary plant compounds contained therein and comparing them with the original amount of the secondary plant compounds used.

[0015] The effect of the at least one secondary plant compound in the fiber material has been shown to be particularly effective in certain amounts: According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fiber material comprises 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.2 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.3 to 3% by weight, of the at least one secondary plant compound.

[0016] The at least one secondary plant compound is preferably a terpenoid or a polyphenol in order to impart antistatic, abrasion resistance, absorbency, odor neutralizing, insecticidal, acaricidal, preferably antibacterial, or a combination thereof, to the textile material of the present invention.

[0017] Terpenes are compounds whose basic structure is based on an isoprene unit (C5 unit). Terpenoids are also based on the isoprene unit, and are characterized by additional functional groups, while terpenes contain only hydrocarbons. Terpenoids contain, among others, alcohol, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, and glycoside groups, which are chemically reactive groups. Polyphenols are compounds from the phenolic or hydroxyaromatic group. Polyphenols are usually found on the surface of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Polyphenols have several aromatic rings in their chemical structure and may contain color pigments, flavorings, and tannins, which usually protect plants from predators or attract insects for pollination through their color. In some plants, polyphenols also serve as protection for the photosynthetic apparatus due to their antioxidant effect and the fact that they filter energy-rich UV-B radiation.

[0018] When classifying terpenoids, a distinction is usually made between acyclic, monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, tetracyclic, pentacyclic, and polycyclic terpene structures, i.e., molecules with one, two, three, four, five, or several rings, and molecules without. Depending on the size of the molecule, terpenoids serve as fragrances (e.g., pheromones or repellents), adhesives, and defenses against viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases. Terpenoids also constitute the majority of known essential oils. Essential oils are widely used to repel insects. Many terpenoids also exhibit antibacterial activity. Terpenoids are active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.

[0019] Cyclic terpenoids, preferably bicyclic terpenoids, are often used as solvents in surface treatments, in household products (e.g., shoe polish, floor cleaning products), as fragrance additives in cosmetics, and are natural components of plant foods (e.g., oranges, lemons, carrots).

[0020] According to the present invention, terpenoids, preferably cyclic terpenoids, can be covalently bound to fiber materials to modify the properties of the fiber material, thereby "building in" the properties of the terpenoid into / onto the fiber material. The fiber material modified in this way also has the properties exhibited by the terpenoid used.

[0021] 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 another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a monoterpenoid selected from the group consisting of pyrethrins, thymol, cineole, thuyanol, perillic acid, linalool, myrcenol, citral, citronellal, geranic acid, junionone, chrysanthemol, menthol, terpineol, verbenol, carveol, piperitone and camphor, preferably pyrethrins, thymol, cineole, thuyanol and / or perillic acid.

[0022] Monoterpenoids consist of two isoprene units, i.e., a basic structure with 10 C atoms. Monoterpenoids are mainly used as fragrances in industry. By covalently binding monoterpenoids to textile materials, they can provide textile materials that help avoid unpleasant odors, for example, in textile products, upholstery, etc.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the terpenoid is a sesquiterpenoid selected from the group consisting of farnesin, bisabolol, armillarin, merulidial, hirsutum acid, nerolidol, zingiberene, germacrane, periplanone, elemol, guaiane, and cedrane, preferably farnesin, bisabolol, armillarin, merulidial, and / or hirsutum acid.

[0024] Sesquiterpenoids contain a basic structure with three isoprene units, i.e., 15 C atoms. Sesquiterpenoids are primarily used as fragrances and aromas.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the terpenoid is a diterpenoid selected from the group consisting of agelasine, larixol, dehydroabietinol, abietic acid, bolegrevilol, aframodial, phytol, retinol, primaran, nimbiol, forskolin, labdanolic acid, cassainic acid, gibberelan, isopimaric acid, dehydroabietinol, and abietic acid, preferably agelasine, larixol, dehydroabietinol, abietic acid, bolegrevilol, and / or aframodial.

[0026] Diterpenoids are composed of four isoprene units (2-methylbutadiene) and can be subdivided into open-chain and cyclic compounds. Diterpenoids are present, for example, in many resins and often have anti-inflammatory properties.

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a sesterpenoid selected from the group consisting of ircinin, neomanoalide, cericerane, and dehydroircinin.

[0028] Sesterterpenoids consist of five isoprene units and are found primarily in lower plants, fungi, and potato leaves. Sesterterpenoids are known, inter alia, for their antibacterial effects (e.g., irusinin). Preferably, the sesterterpenoids covalently bound to the fiber material provide the material with antibacterial properties.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a triterpenoid selected from the group consisting of limonoids, lanosterol, fusidane, fusidic acid, euphane, dammarane, cucurbitan, cucurbitacin, betulin, and betulinic acid.

[0030] Triterpenoids contain a basic structure with six isoprene units, i.e., 30 C atoms. Tetracyclic triterpenoids (e.g., lanosterane type) include important groups of steroids and cucurbitacins. Pentacyclic compounds are subdivided into oleanane type, ursane type, and lupin type triterpenoids depending on their basic structure. They exist, for example, as triterpenoid alcohols and triterpenoid acids (resinoic acid and resinol) in resins, or as triterpenoid sapogenins (saponins). Many triterpenoids have important biological functions, for example, as hormones.

[0031] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a tetraterpenoid selected from the group consisting of carotene, crocetin, and lycopene.

[0032] Tetraterpenoids contain eight isoprene units, i.e., the basic structure contains 40 C atoms. Tetraterpenoids include fat-soluble pigments (lipochromes) in archaea, bacteria, plants, and animals. They include pure hydrocarbons such as carotenes and lycopene, as well as their oxygen-containing derivatives, xanthophylls. The binding of tetraterpenoids to textile materials can result in, for example, the coloring / discoloration of the textile material.

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terpenoid is a polyterpenoid selected from the group consisting of betulaprenol, oleanolic acid, ubiquinone, and dolochol.

[0034] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polyphenol is a polyhydroxyphenol, preferably tannin, suberin, or lignin.

[0035] Tannins include polyhydroxyphenols with hydroxy groups in the ortho position, 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 subdivided into gallotannins (e.g., glucogallin) and ellagitannins (e.g., pendunculagin). The free hydroxy groups allow cross-linking with polymers and proteins. Thus, amino acids or proteins present on the surface of cells and viruses can be absorbed by the fiber material of the present invention. Gases such as oxygen, H2S, and ammonia can also be absorbed by the reactive groups of the bound polyphenols.

[0036] Suberin is a hydrophobic biopolymer deposited in the cell walls of plants. As a hydrophobic material, suberin has the natural function of sealing the roots and preventing water penetration.

[0037] Lignin is a group of macromolecules with various monomeric building blocks (coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, sinapyl alcohol, etc.). Lignin is characterized by its structure based on phenolic complexes (phenylpropanoids) with hydroxy, methoxy, and aryloxy substituents. Lignin is hydrophobic, has binding sites for polyvalent metal ions (Fe, Mn, Cr, etc.), and has a special absorption capacity for some UV light with wavelengths in the 100-300 nm range.

[0038] By covalently bonding suberin and / or lignin to a fibrous material, the material can acquire or improve, for example, hydrophobicity, absorbency and / or UV resistance.

[0039] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tannin is a gallotannin or an ellagitannin.

[0040] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polyphenol is selected from the group consisting of phytoalexins, preferably resveratrol, flavonols, preferably taxifolin, catechins, flavonoids, anthocyans, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, phlobaphene, resveratrol, and isoflavones.

[0041] Phytoalexins are small molecules with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects that can be produced by plants immediately after infection with microorganisms (e.g., bacteria or fungi) and inhibit their spread, growth, or reproduction in the plant. Thus, by attaching phytoalexins to fiber materials, the materials can be endowed with antimicrobial properties.

[0042] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one secondary plant compound is a tree resin, preferably colophonium, olibanum, mastic, or balsam.

[0043] Surprisingly, it has been shown that the antibiotic effect, especially the antibacterial effect, of the compounds is essentially due to the adhesive properties of the solid resin (such as colophony). Fungal mycelium, insects, mites, bacteria, viruses, etc., adhere to the resin through adhesive forces, so the physical spread of microorganisms can be impeded or prevented by covalently / adhesively bonding the tree resin to the fiber material. The secondary plant compounds can be introduced partially or completely in the form of a tree resin, preferably colophony, olibanum, mastic, or balsam. In this context, "completely" means that all secondary plant compounds in the fiber material of the present invention (i.e., 100% by weight of the secondary plant compounds) are present as tree resin, olibanum, mastic, or balsam. By "partially" it is meant that at least 1% by weight of the secondary plant compounds are contained in the fibrous material in the form of tree resin, olibanum, mastic or balsam, preferably at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% by weight.

[0044] According to the present invention, the at least one fiber can have different properties such as strength, texture, size, shape or origin. Fibers are subdivided into naturally occurring fiber materials (natural fibers) and manufactured organic fiber materials (synthetic fibers). The at least one fiber is preferably a natural fiber or preferably a synthetic fiber.

[0045] Natural fibers are fibers derived from natural sources such as plants, animals or minerals and can be used without further chemical conversion reactions. Cellulosic synthetic fibers are fibers produced from cellulose by chemical-technical methods. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the natural fibers are plant fibers, preferably cotton fibers, or cellulosic synthetic fibers, preferably viscose fibers, modal fibers or lyocell fibers.

[0046] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the natural fibres are animal fibres, preferably wool or silk.

[0047] Synthetic fibers are made from fiber-forming synthetic macromolecular substances (polymers) formed in the course of a polymerization reaction from simple chemicals (monomers). According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the synthetic fibers are polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polyethylene fibers, preferably oxidatively pretreated, polypropylene fibers, preferably oxidatively pretreated, polyacrylate fibers, or polyacrylnitrile fibers.

[0048] The fiber material of the present invention can contain fibers from different origins as described above. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the fiber material contains at least one type of fiber from at least two fiber sources. For example, the fiber material of the present invention can contain 40-60% cotton fibers and 40-60% other fibers (e.g., wool fibers or polyester fibers).

[0049] The fixation of the secondary plant compound onto the fiber material is achieved by a covalent bond and / or adhesive layer structure between the reactive groups of the at least one fiber and the at least one secondary plant compound. In other words, this means that there can be not only an adhesive connection or physical bond between the at least one secondary plant compound and the at least one fiber or fiber material, but also a chemical bond. The covalent bond is formed when the at least one secondary plant compound comes into contact with the surface of the fiber. The at least one fiber is characterized by a reactive surface that is optionally subjected to, for example, elevated temperatures (preferably 30-80°C, more preferably 30-60°C), microwaves, ultrasound, and / or pressure during or after contact with the secondary plant compound to accelerate the reaction and the formation of covalent bonds.

[0050] The covalent bond between the textile material and the secondary plant compound can be made possible or improved by (co)using polyfunctional 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 difunctional or trifunctional capped isocyanates present in aqueous form, or difunctional epoxides, dicarboxylic acids, diepoxides, diisocyanates or polyisocyanates, diaziridines, or chain extenders in aqueous dispersions. These polyfunctional reactive partners can be activated by the introduction of thermal energy, irradiation with UV light, or in the course of a "one-pot" reaction. This activation of the reactive partners further accelerates the formation of covalent bonds between the textile material and the secondary plant compound. This allows for the optimization and shortening of the coating process. In addition to the secondary plant compound, the textile material can contain other substances that modify the material's properties. These substances can improve or enhance the properties of the textile material obtained by the secondary plant compound. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the textile material comprises wood particles which may act as an internal reservoir of secondary plant compounds, processing aids, preferably avivages, lubricants, light stabilizers, UV protection agents as protection against yellowing, softeners to increase fluffiness, pigments, matting agents, biocidal, acaricidal and / or fungicidal active substances (which are not secondary plant compounds).

[0051] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the secondary plant compounds are introduced partly or completely in the form of finely divided plant parts, preferably finely divided wood parts or wood particles.

[0052] By "completely" we mean that all secondary plant compounds (i.e., 100% by weight of the secondary plant compounds) in the fiber material of the present invention are present as wood particles. By "partially" we mean that at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight of the secondary plant compounds are contained in the fiber material in the form of wood particles. Thus, the secondary plant compounds can be present partially or completely in the form of finely divided plant parts within or on the fiber surfaces of the fiber material.

[0053] The comminuted plant parts can enhance or amplify the properties of secondary plant compounds not introduced by the comminuted plant parts. Depending on their origin, comminuted plant parts can contain a specific high proportion of secondary plant compounds. Therefore, for various uses, comminuted plant parts can be introduced onto or into fiber materials based on their natural composition of secondary plant compounds. Preferably, the secondary plant compounds can be introduced in the form of wood particles along with additional secondary plant compounds. For example, larch wood, which has a high content of diterpenoids, can be advantageously combined with the addition of isolated (e.g., extract) oak tannin. The introduced comminuted plant parts can be of the same origin, or the mixture of comminuted plant parts can be of different origins. Preferably, the secondary plant compounds can be introduced partially or completely in the form of comminuted plant parts of different origins, preferably wood particles. Thus, the different natural properties of the introduced secondary plant compounds can be utilized in combination. For example, pine wood particles and Italian larch wood particles can be introduced to combine the secondary plant compounds naturally contained in the wood. Preferably, the secondary plant compounds are introduced partially or completely in the form of finely divided wood parts or wood particles. The introduced finely divided wood parts or wood particles are preferably untreated finely divided wood parts or wood particles. The term "untreated finely divided wood parts or wood particles" refers to finely divided wood parts or wood particles that have not been treated by carbonization, charring, or calcination.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wood particles have a particle size of less than 50 μm, preferably less than 40 μm, more preferably less than 30 μm, more preferably less than 20 μm, more preferably between 0.1 μm and 20 μm, more preferably between 0.5 and 10 μm, more preferably between 1 and 5 μm. Such finely divided wood particles can be produced, for example, by cryogenic grinding, preferably by impact milling or colloid milling.

[0055] The size of the wood particles can be preferably determined by sieve analysis according to DIN 66165-1-2016-08 or DIN 66165-2. At least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99%, and especially 100% of the wood particles used in the present invention have the above-mentioned particle size. The wood particles can have any shape.

[0056] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the wood particles are selected from softwood particles, preferably spruce, fir, pine, Italian stone pine, cedar, thuja, yew or larch particles, hardwood particles, preferably beech, poplar, birch, oak or eucalyptus particles, or mixtures thereof.

[0057] It has been shown to be advantageous to adjust the ratio of secondary plant compounds to wood particles in order to make the desired effect even more pronounced.

[0058] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a fiber material, which comprises contacting at least one fiber with at least one secondary plant compound. Additional steps, such as treating the fiber material with plasma, ultrasound, etching, etc., may occur before or during the contacting. Subsequent treatments, such as thermal or light-induced fixation of the secondary plant compound to the fiber material, may also be advantageous for producing durable composite materials. The fiber material or at least one fiber can be modified to introduce or create reactive groups on the fiber or fiber material. The modification of the fiber material can be carried out by incorporating the secondary plant compound into the fiber structure during fiber formation (filament formation), or preferably subsequently on the surface of the fiber or fiber material.

[0059] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one secondary plant compound is present in the form of an extract or eluate, which can be obtained by methods such as steam distillation, extraction, or chromatography. For example, young plants typically produce terpene hydrocarbons, while older plants increasingly produce oxygen-containing derivatives such as alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Methods for obtaining secondary plant compounds are known from the state of the art. The term "extract" as used herein includes extracts of solid, liquid, and / or oily consistency obtained by extraction from plants, particularly their fruits, roots, rhizomes, stems, shoots, leaves, seeds, or seeds. The term "eluate" as used herein refers to solid, liquid, and / or oily substances separated or extracted from plants, particularly their fruits, roots, rhizomes, stems, shoots, leaves, seeds, or seeds.

[0060] One advantage of the extracts and eluates that can be used is the natural composition of the secondary plant compound components that they contain, and a particular advantage is that the bioavailability of the secondary plant compounds contained in the extracts can be higher than when synthetic compositions are used.

[0061] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the use of the above-mentioned fiber material serves for the production of textile fabrics according to the method according to the invention, preferably filters, upholstery covers, mattresses, cushion fillings, curtains, floor coverings, carpets, clothing, preferably functional clothing for sports activities, hygiene products, wipes and / or thermal insulation.

[0062] An example is the modification of the absorption properties of fiber materials. The absorption properties of fibers are essential for many applications, such as textiles. Here, it is important that the fibers exhibit high moisture absorption capacity and subsequently rapid release rate of the absorbed moisture stored therein. The present invention enables the use of environmentally friendly modified fiber materials with improved absorption properties for absorbing liquids, such as water or bodily fluids like sweat, blood, or urine.

[0063] Further uses include the decontamination of liquids and gases or protection against microorganisms by absorbing and / or removing bacteria on filter materials, face masks, bandages, wound dressings, or hygiene products made of various textile materials. Disinfectants are widely used in everyday life, for example, in the healthcare sector, food industry, agriculture, or general household products, to prevent the spread of microorganisms and microbial infections. However, a major problem arising from this widespread use of disinfectants is the constant contamination of the environment by these agents. Typically, disinfectants are provided in solutions that are applied directly to contaminated surfaces, for example, in hospitals, laboratory equipment, or skin wounds. If these substances are not neutralized, for example, by autoclaving, they accumulate in wastewater. Biocidal materials, such as antibacterial plastics, coatings, or textiles in the food packaging industry, wound dressings, or functional clothing, can also accumulate in the environment and be continuously washed away. Such contamination can ultimately lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains. The physical absorption of bacteria, viruses, molds, and / or their spores on the surface of the textile material is a major advantage when using the present invention, as it can prevent the use of physiologically and ecologically questionable disinfectants and antibiotics. A further application area of ​​the present invention is its use as a packaging material. In the case of packaging films, it is advantageous to prevent or minimize the effect of oxygen on the packaged goods. By using the present invention, the secondary plant compounds, which are harmless to the environment and health, bind oxygen at relevant locations in the textile material, such as inside the packaged goods, thereby improving the perishability / shelf life of food products. [Example]

[0064] Example 1: A stable, finely divided cationic dispersion of colophony with a solids content of 35% by weight was prepared according to Examples 8 and 9 of EP 0 406 461. EP 0 406 461 relates to a colophony-based "paper sizing agent." The process involves drying at a temperature of 30-35°C, at which temperatures the colophony and resin acids (e.g., abietic acid) contained therein do not form covalent bonds with cellulose molecules.

[0065] A 100% by weight dispersion prepared according to EP 0406461 was diluted with 250% by weight deionized water under continuous stirring to give a 10% solids solution.

[0066] 110g / m 2 A blend fabric containing 55% TENCEL (cellulose fiber by the Lyocell process; Lenzing) and 45% cotton, having a weight per unit area of ​​1.0g, was allowed to absorb 38% liquor during padding at 35°C to 40°C and then squeezed with a roller, which corresponded to 3.8% by weight of colophony with respect to the cellulose fiber.

[0067] Subsequent drying and fixation at 180-250 °C for periods of more than 10-12 seconds resulted in warp-knitted fabrics with excellent antimicrobial efficacy (log 3.2; DIN EN ISO 20743) and inhibitory effect against the growth of mold (Aspergillus niger; according to DIN EN 14119).

[0068] Example 2: To the liquor according to Example 1, 5 parts by weight of oak-derived tannin having a size of 0.5-1.0 μm, 3 parts by weight of poly-DADMAC (poly-diallyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride; a water-soluble organic polymer used as a fixing agent in the paper industry) as a dispersant, and 4.5 parts by weight of MEIKANATE CX (as a 20% dispersion in water; a cation-blocked hexamethylene diisocyanate as a spacer linking the bonds between the tannin and the cellulose) were added. The total solids content of the liquor was 14.5%.

[0069] 110g / m 2A mixed warp knitted fabric containing 55% Tencel (cellulose fiber by the Lyocell process; Lenzing) and 45% cotton, having a weight per unit area of ​​100g, was allowed to absorb 46% of the liquid during padding at 35°C to 40°C and then squeezed with a roller, which corresponded to 6.7% by weight of active substance on the fabric.

[0070] The warp-knitted fabric was dried at 200°C for 10 seconds and fixed. The fabric produced in this way showed a significant bactericidal effect (log 3.8; gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria) according to DIN EN ISO 20743. Furthermore, microscopic observation of the adhesion of house dust mites and their eggs to the fiber surface showed a significant reduction in house dust mite reproduction. The adhesive effect of the covalently bonded colophony and the denaturing properties of the likewise covalently bonded tannin remain crucial for the effect, even in the micro- and nanoscale range.

[0071] Example 3: A cationic dispersion of mastic at 25% solids was prepared in a manner similar to Examples 8 and 9 of EP 0 406 461, except that the pH value of 7.0 was adjusted with a 15% solution of perillic acid in 70% formic acid rather than hydrochloric acid.

[0072] After dilution to liquid concentration, the dispersion contained 7.5% mastic, 0.4% perillic acid, and 2.5% cationic co-polymethacrylate as a reactive auxiliary colloid.

[0073] 110g / m 2 A mixed warp knit fabric containing 55% Tencel (cellulose fiber by the Lyocell process; Lenzing) and 45% cotton, having a weight per unit area of ​​1000 g / m², was allowed to absorb 36% of the liquid during padding at 35°C to 40°C and then squeezed with a roller, which corresponded to 6.7% by weight of active substance on the fabric.

[0074] The warp-knitted fabric was dried at 180°C for 20 seconds and set. The resulting fabric exhibits a significant fungicidal effect according to DIN EN 14119. This fungicidal effect extends in particular to Aspergillus niger, but also to dandruff-causing fungi such as Candida albicans and Candida kefir.

[0075] Such fabrics are therefore also particularly suitable for controlling mite populations, for which fungal cultivation is essential.

[0076] Furthermore, it had very good antibacterial effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Claims

1. 1. A fibrous material comprising at least one fiber having at least one secondary plant compound covalently bonded thereto, wherein the at least one fiber is at least partially covalently bonded to the at least one secondary plant compound, the at least one fiber comprising one or more of the following: —OH, —CO—, —COOH, —CHO, —NH ２ 1. A textile material comprising on its surface chemically reactive groups selected from the group consisting of —NH—, —CONH—, —NHCONH—, —COOR, —NHCOO—, and —C═C—.

2. 2. The fiber material according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.2 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.3 to 3% by weight, of the at least one secondary plant compound.

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

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

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

6. 5. The textile material according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a sesquiterpenoid selected from the group consisting of farnesin, bisabolol, armillarin, merulidial, hirsutum acid, nerolidol, zingiberene, germacrane, periplanone, elemol, guaiane, and cedrane, preferably farnesin, bisabolol, armillarin, merulidial, and / or hirsutum acid.

7. 5. The textile material according to claim 3, wherein the terpenoid is a diterpenoid selected from the group consisting of agelasine, larixol, dehydroabietinol, abietic acid, bolegrevilol, aframodial, phytol, retinol, primaran, nimbiol, forskolin, labdanolic acid, cassainic acid, gibberelan, isopimaric acid, dehydroabietinol, and abietic acid, preferably agelasine, larixol, dehydroabietinol, abietic acid, bolegrevilol, and / or aframodial.

8. 5. The fiber material according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a sesterpenoid selected from the group consisting of ircinin, neomanoalide, cericerane, and dehydroircinin.

9. 5. The fiber material of claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a triterpenoid selected from the group consisting of limonoids, lanosterol, fusidane, fusidic acid, euphane, dammarane, cucurbitan, cucurbitacin, betulin, and betulinic acid.

10. 5. The fiber material according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a tetraterpenoid selected from the group consisting of carotene, crocetin, and lycopene.

11. 5. The fiber material according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the terpenoid is a polyterpenoid selected from the group consisting of betulaprenol, oleanolic acid, ubiquinone and dolochol.

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

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

14. 14. The textile material according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the polyphenols are selected from the group consisting of phytoalexins, preferably resveratrol, flavonols, preferably taxifolin, catechins, flavonoids, anthocyans, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, phlobaphene, resveratrol, and isoflavones.

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

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

17. 17. The textile material according to claim 16, characterized in that the natural fibers are plant fibers, preferably cotton fibers, or cellulosic synthetic fibers, preferably viscose fibers, modal fibers, or lyocell fibers.

18. 17. Fibre material according to claim 16, characterized in that the natural fibres are animal fibres, preferably wool or silk.

19. 17. The textile material according to claim 16, characterized in that the synthetic fibers are polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, preferably oxidatively pretreated polyethylene fibers, preferably oxidatively pretreated polypropylene fibers, polyacrylate fibers, or polyacrylnitrile fibers.

20. 20. The fiber material according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the at least one fiber has on its surface at least one spacer structure to which the at least one secondary plant compound is covalently bound.

21. 21. The textile material according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it comprises wood particles, processing aids, preferably avivages, lubricants, light stabilizers, pigments, matting agents, biocides, miticides and / or fungicides.

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

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

24. 24. A method for producing a fiber material according to any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising the step of contacting at least one fiber with at least one secondary plant compound, wherein the at least one fiber is at least partially covalently bondable to the at least one secondary plant compound, -OH, -CO-、-COOH、-CHO、-NH ２ 、-NH-、-CONH-、-NHCONH-、-COOR、 The method has a chemically reactive group on the surface selected from the group consisting of -NHCOO- and -C=C-.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one fiber is subjected to elevated temperature, microwave, ultrasonic, and / or pressure during or after contacting.

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

27. 27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the at least one secondary plant compound is present in the form of an extract or an eluate.

28. Use of the fiber material according to any one of claims 1 to 23 for producing a textile structure, preferably a yarn, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a warp knitted fabric, a wetlaid fabric, a felt or a nonwoven fabric.

29. Use of the fiber material according to any one of claims 1 to 23 for producing warp knitted fabrics, preferably filters, upholstery covers, mattresses, cushion fillings, curtains, floor coverings, carpets, clothing, preferably functional clothing for sports activities, hygiene products, wipes and / or thermal insulation.

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