Methods for manufacturing antimicrobial synthetic textiles

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing antimicrobial synthetic textiles and antimicrobial synthetic textiles, optionally manufactured by the method.

Description

[0001] METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING ANTIMICROBIAL SYNTHETIC TEXTILES

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing antimicrobial synthetic textiles and antimicrobial synthetic textiles, optionally manufactured by the method.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Antimicrobial textiles including home textiles and medical textiles offer several benefits in professional, health care and home environments such as reduction of microbe growth and odor control. Synthetic polyester fabrics dominate the consumption of antimicrobial fabrics with almost half of the global market share and are likely to showcase a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 9.2% through 2027.

[0006] An antimicrobial treatment performed on a textile needs to satisfy different requirements besides being efficient against microorganisms. These include being suitable for textile processing, presenting durability to laundering, dry cleaning and hot pressing, presenting a favorable safety and environmental profile, and not harming textile quality or appearance. It has recently been detected (PCT / FI2023 / 050660) that polycarboxylic acids can be applied in finishing synthetic textiles, resulting in a strong antimicrobial effect with good washability. Antimicrobial finishes based on polycarboxylic acids provide a durable and safe, environmentally friendly antimicrobial finish that can be applied simply and inexpensively.

[0007] Synthetic textiles are commonly hydrophobic, whereas polycarboxylic acids are more hydrophilic in nature. This may cause challenges in producing a durable antimicrobial finishing with a polycarboxylic acid as the antimicrobial substance. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for developing efficient methods for antimicrobially finishing synthetic textiles with polycarboxylic acids.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, an antimicrobial synthetic textile obtainable by the method, and an antimicrobial synthetic textile to alleviate the above disadvantages. Also, use of a polycarboxylic acid as an antimicrobial finish on a synthetic textile and a product comprising the antimicrobial synthetic textile are provided.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, comprising the steps of: a) providing a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst; b) contacting the treatment solution with a synthetic textile at a temperature ranging from 10°C to 160°C, and for a period of time ranging from 5min to 240min, to provide a polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile; and c) curing the polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile.

[0011] A further aspect of the disclosure is an antimicrobial synthetic textile obtainable by the method. Said synthetic textile thus comprises an antimicrobial finish which comprises a polycarboxylic acid applied on the textile in an exhaustion step by contacting with a synthetic textile a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst at a temperature ranging from 10°C to 160°C, and for a period of time ranging from 5min to 240min and cured in the presence of a catalyst.

[0012] Exhaustion involves a lengthy contact of the textile with a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst, enabling gradual uptake of components of the treatment solution by the textile under controlled conditions.

[0013] Yet another aspect is a product comprising the antimicrobial synthetic textile.

[0014] Aspects of the disclosure are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Some embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0016] In textile manufacturing, finishing refers to processes that convert the textile such as fiber, yarn, fabric or woven or knitted cloth into a more usable material to improve the look, performance, or “hand” (feel) of the finished textile or for example an item of clothing made from the textile. An antimicrobial finish causes the textile to inhibit growth of microbes. Infestation of textiles by microbes can cause pathogenic infection and development of odor where the textile is worn or otherwise present next to the skin. In addition, stains and loss of fiber quality of textile substrates can also take place. With an aim to protect the wearer and the textile substrate itself, an anti-microbial finish may be applied to textile materials.

[0017] As used herein, the term “polycarboxylic acid” refers to organic compounds having multiple carboxylic acid functional groups. In other words, a polycarboxylic acid is an acid that has more than one carboxylic acid group (-COOH).

[0018] There are plenty of free hydroxyl (-OH) groups in cellulose and cellulosic fibers such as cotton. When polycarboxylic acids are applied to produce a finish to textiles comprising cellulosic fibers, a stable covalent bond is formed via esterification of hydroxide groups and carboxylic groups. On such textiles, an antimicrobial finishing comprising esterified polycarboxylic acids is therefore automatically relatively durable. However, since many synthetic, non-cellulosic textiles lack free OH-groups on the surface compared to cellulosic textiles such as the naturally derived textile cotton, these synthetic materials cannot be esterified with polycarboxylic acids. Thus, it is challenging to produce an antimicrobial synthetic textile having a durable polycarboxylic acid finish.

[0019] It has been reported in WO2024115816A1 that polycarboxylic acids can be applied in finishing synthetic textiles, resulting in a strong antimicrobial effect with good washability. The method disclosed in WO2024115816A1 involves treating a synthetic textile in a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst and curing to form a durable antimicrobial finish against both bacteria and fungi. Antimicrobial activity by the polycarboxylic acid finishing is demonstrated in WO2024115816A1 also in both synthetic textiles made from a single type of polymer as well as polymer blends. Circumstances such as the type of synthetic textile used and the amounts of polycarboxylic acid and catalyst use may have an effect on the quality of the antimicrobial finish. This may cause fluctuations in durability and antimicrobial efficacy of the finish.

[0020] It has now been discovered that selecting a specific method of applying the polycarboxylic acid on the synthetic textile may improve the quality of the antimicrobial finish. The present disclosure thus relates to a method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, an antimicrobial synthetic textile obtainable by to the method, and products comprising the antimicrobial synthetic textile.

[0021] Finishing chemicals can be applied on textile materials using various, most commonly, wet processing techniques, e.g. padding, exhaustion, roll coating, dip coating, spraying, and foam finishing. Although the use of methods that utilize a minimal amount of treatment liquor (treatment solution), like spraying, is increasing, the conventional methods of padding and exhausting are still most commonly used.

[0022] Padding is typically used in textile industry when the finishing chemicals do not have high affinity to the treated fabric material. The reason for this is that impregnation by padding is a continuous process, and for obtaining even results, the concentration of the finishing chemicals in the treatment solution i.e. liquor should remain the same throughout the process. In the padding method, the application of a finishing chemical is done by passing the textile through the liquor bath for a relatively short time (e.g. <30 s), and then through a padder mangle to squeeze extra liquid out of textile to control wet pick-up. The fabric absorbs the chemical mostly by mechanical pressure to achieve rapid surface treatment of large volumes of textile. Exhaustion, on the contrary, is a discontinuous batch mode for treating textiles. It is typically used when the finishing chemical has a higher affinity towards the textile fibers. In exhaustion, the textile is allowed to stay in contact with the treatment liquor immersed in it for a longer time than in the padding method (e.g. 30 min). The treatment liquor may also be heated to an elevated temperature (e.g. 50 °C) to enhance chemical interactions between textile fibers and finishing chemicals. Unlike padding, exhaustion mostly relies on diffusion and chemical affinity between the textile and components of the treatment solution. There are various methods and equipment for exhaust treatment e.g. jigger dyeing machine, winch dyeing machine and jet dyeing machine.

[0023] An antimicrobial treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst is not expected to have high affinity towards synthetic textiles which are commonly more or less hydrophobic in nature. We have, however, discovered that the strength and durability of antimicrobial properties obtained by treating a synthetic textile with an antimicrobial treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst can be improved using the exhaustion method. As shown by the results herein, compared to the conventional method of padding, the exhaust method facilitates achieving a more durable and higher activity antimicrobial finish even when using a smaller amount of polycarboxylic acid and catalyst. This results in a more economical and environmentally friendly process. The product is also more user-friendly due to the smaller chemical impact caused by the smaller amount of chemicals present on the textile.

[0024] Thus, in an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, comprising the steps of a) providing a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst; b) contacting the treatment solution with a synthetic textile at a temperature ranging from 10°C to 160°C, and for a period of time ranging from 5min to 240min, to provide a polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile; and c) curing the polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile. Under these controlled contacting conditions (time and temperature), the treatment solution is progressively exhausted onto the textile in step b).

[0025] Contacting in step b) typically occurs by immersion, although other methods such as dipping, spraying or foam application may be employed. Typically, the synthetic textile is immersed in a treatment solution bath and the solution is thus exhausted onto the fabric. In addition to a controlled duration and temperature, exhaustion may involve continuous agitation. The contacting in step b) is performed in the method disclosed herein at a temperature of 10°C to 160°C, or 20° to 160°C, or 25°C to 160°C, or 30°C to 160°C, or 25°C to 120°C, or 25° to 100°C, or 30° to 100°C, or 35° to 100°C.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the contacting temperature may be 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, 95°C, 100°C, 105°C, 110°C, 115°C, 120°C, 125°C, 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, 155°C, or 160°C or any temperature range between any two of the temperatures 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, 95°C, 100°C, 105°C, 110°C, 115°C, 120°C, 125°C, 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, 155°C, or 160°C.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the contacting in step b) is performed for a period of time ranging from 5 minutes to 240 minutes (min), or 10 min to 240 min, or 15 min to 240 min, or 20 min to 240 min, or 5 min to 180 min, or 5 to 150 min, or 5 min to 120 min.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the contacting time may be 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, 35 min, 40 min, 45 min, 50 min, 55 min, 60 min, 65 min, 70 min, 75 min, 80 min, 85 min, 90 min, 95 min, 100 min, 105 min, 110 min, 115 min, or 120 min, 125 min, 130 min, 135 min, 140 min, 145 min, 150 min, 155 min, 160 min, 165 min, 170 min, 175 min, 180 min, 185 min, 190 min, 195 min, 200 min, 205 min, 210 min, 215 min, 220 min, 225 min, 230 min, 235 min, or 240 min, or any time range between any two of the time durations 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, 35 min, 40 min, 45 min, 50 min, 55 min, 60 min, 65 min, 70 min, 75 min, 80 min, 85 min, 90 min, 95 min, 100 min, 105 min, 110 min, 115 min, or 120 min, 125 min, 130 min, 135 min, 140 min, 145 min, 150 min, 155 min, 160 min, 165 min, 170 min, 175 min, 180 min, 185 min, 190 min, 195 min, 200 min, 205 min, 210 min, 215 min, 220 min, 225 min, 230 min, 235 min, or 240 min.

[0029] In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to an antimicrobial synthetic textile obtainable by said method. In other words, the antimicrobial synthetic textile is obtained by or manufactured by said method.

[0030] As used herein, the term “textile” refers to various fiber-based materials, including, but not limited to, fibers, yarns, filaments, threads and different fabric types such as woven fabric, knit, non-woven fabric and cloth. Also, as used herein, the term “fabric” is defined as any thin, flexible material made from yarn, directly from fibers, polymeric film, foam, or any combination of these techniques. Also, as used herein, the term “knit” refers to a fabric formed by interlacing yarn or thread into a series of interconnected loops. Also, as used herein, the term “cloth” refers to a fabric that consists of a fine, flexible network of yarns. Typically, the smallest component of a fabric is fiber. As used herein, the term “natural fiber” refers to fiber obtained from plants or animals, whereas the term “synthetic fiber” is used of fiber manufactured with chemical synthesis and covers also semi-synthetic fibers synthesized from natural polymers. Similarly, a “natural textile” is a textile based on plant or animal fiber(s), and a “synthetic textile” is a textile based on fiber(s) manufactured with chemical synthesis and may sometimes also be considered to cover semi-synthetic fiber(s) synthesized from natural polymers. Herein, the term “synthetic textile” refers particularly to noncellulosic textiles.

[0031] As used herein, the term “antimicrobial” refers to a substance, agent, or material that can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. That is, antimicrobial may in some instances refer to antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and / or antiprotozoan activity, particularly to antibacterial activity.

[0032] Manufacturing the durable antimicrobial finish involves use of a catalyst that, without being bound to any one theory, is believed to crosslink and / or polymerize the polycarboxylic acid molecules, producing a layer or network of crosslinked and / or polymerized polycarboxylic acid molecules on the surface of the textile. It has surprisingly been discovered that the crosslinked polycarboxylic acid exhausted onto the textile in itself provides an antimicrobial effect even without employing additional antimicrobial agents such as metals (copper, zinc, silver), titanium dioxide, quaternary ammonium compounds, essential oils or fatty acids. In conventional solutions, such additional antimicrobial agents have been introduced to the textile using a crosslinked polycarboxylic acid network as a scaffold for attaching the actual antimicrobial agent. Here, no additional antimicrobial agent is necessarily needed.

[0033] The antimicrobial finish disclosed herein represents non-leaching technology and thus no or only a minimal amount of active substance is released to the environment during washing of the textile. Crosslinking and / or polymerization of polycarboxylic acid molecules is induced by curing the synthetic textile treated with one or more polycarboxylic acid(s) at an elevated temperature in the presence of the catalyst.

[0034] As used herein, the term “curing” refers to cross-linking and / or polymerizing polycarboxylic acid molecules on the surface of a synthetic textile by applying heat to said polycarboxylic acid. The curing reaction is enhanced by a catalyst and is believed to produce the toughening or hardening of the polycarboxylic acid by cross-linking and / or polymerization.

[0035] As used herein, the term “or” has the meaning of both “and”’ and “or” (i.e. “and / or”). Furthermore, the meaning of a singular noun includes that of a plural noun and thus a singular term, unless otherwise specified, may also carry the meaning of its plural form. In other words, the term “a” or “an” may mean one or more.

[0036] As used herein, the term “comprising” includes the broader meanings of ’’including”, ’’containing”, and ’’comprehending”, as well as the narrower expressions “consisting of’ and “consisting only of’.

[0037] Herein, the term “synthetic textile” particularly refers to a noncellulosic textile. Cellulosic textiles contain either natural cellulosic fibers and include cotton, linen, hemp and ramie or regenerated cellulosic fibers and include viscose, modal lyocell and cupro. Noncellulosic textiles contain no natural or regenerated cellulosic fibers. A synthetic textile may comprise one type of noncellulosic fiber of be a blend of two or more different noncellulosic fibers.

[0038] Synthetic textiles that can be used in all aspects of the disclosure including the method of the disclosure include synthetic textiles made of polymer material having no free hydroxyl groups in its structure except optionally at the end(s) of the polymer chain. In yet other words, each polymer molecule may have up to one free hydroxyl group at each end or terminus of the molecule such as a hydroxyl group of a carboxylic acid group, and no free hydroxyl groups are present in the polymer molecule between the ends. With the ends or termini are meant the end groups of the polymer molecule.

[0039] Thus, the synthetic textile may comprise or consist of a polymer material, wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group.

[0040] Synthetic textiles that can be used in all aspects of the disclosure including the method of the disclosure include, but are not limited to textiles made of one or more of polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and polylactic acid (PLA); polyamides such as nylons and aramids; polyacrylonitriles (PAN) such as acrylic and modacrylic; olefins; polyvinyl chlorides such as vinyon; polyethylenes such as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastanes; polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); poly(p-phenylene-2,6- benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fibers; and any mixtures thereof.

[0041] Alternatively, the textile is made of one or more of polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylonitriles, polyethylenes, and elastanes. Particularly suitable are 100% PET and polyester elastane blends such as 88% polyester / 12% elastane or 85% polyester / 15% elastane.

[0042] Polycarboxylic acids that may be used in all aspects of the present disclosure including the method or the antimicrobial synthetic textile or the synthetic textile comprising an antimicrobial finish disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, citric acid (CA; CAS 77- 92-9), isocitric acid (ICA; CAS 320-77-4), tricarballylic acid (TCA; CAS 99-14-9), 1 ,2,4- butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA; CAS 923-42-2), 1 ,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA; CAS 1703-58-8), oxalic acid (CAS 144-62-7), tartaric acid (L(+)-tartaric acid CAS 87-69-4, and other isomers), succinic acid (CAS 110-15-6), malic acid (CAS 6915-15-7), malonic acid (CAS 141 -82-2), glutamic acid (L-isomer CAS 56-86-0, and other isomers), aspartic acid (L-isomer CAS 56-84-8, and other isomers), glutaric acid (CAS 110-94-1), 1 ,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid (CAS 6940-58-5), gluconic acid (CAS 526-95-4), mannaric acid (CAS 3275-38-5), galactaric acid (CAS 526-99-8), maleic acid (CAS 110-16-7), adipic acid (CAS 124-04-9), citramalic acid (CAS 498-30-6), aconitic acid (CAS 585-84-2), 2- hydroxy-1 ,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid lactone (citric acid lactone, CAS 498-30-6), mucic acid (CAS 526-99-8), itaconic acid (CAS 97-65-4), oxaloacetic acid (CAS 328-42-7), 2- methylsuccinic acid (CAS 498-21 -5), 2-hydroxyglutaric acid (CAS 25513-46-6), 2- ketoglutaric acid (CAS 328-50-7), and ethylenediaminediacetic acid (CAS 5657-17-0). The polycarboxylic acids may also be in any isomer, salt or hydrate form including, but not limited to, sodium citrate, anhydrous (CAS 13742-35-0) and citric acid monohydrate (CAS 5949-29-1 ). Preferably, the polycarboxylic acid is citric acid or any isomer, salt or hydrate thereof.

[0043] All aspects of the present disclosure including the method and the antimicrobial synthetic textile obtained by the method involve a catalyst that is believed to enhance the rate of a crosslinking and / or polymerization reaction between the polycarboxylic acid molecules. This results in formation of a durable antimicrobial finish on the textile.

[0044] In all aspects of the present disclosure, one or more of sodium hypophosphite (SHP), anhydrous NaH2PO2(CAS 7681 -53-0); SHP hydrates such as SHP hydrate NaH2PO2xH2O (CAS 123333-67-5) and SHP monohydrate NaH2PO2H2O (CAS 10039- 56-2); monosodium phosphate (MSP), anhydrous NaH2PC>4 (CAS 7558-80-7); and MSP hydrates such as MSP monohydrate (CAS 10049-21 -5) and MSP dihydrate (CAS 10049- 21 -5) may be used as the catalyst.

[0045] The polycarboxylic acid and the catalyst may be provided dissolved in a solvent. The treatment solution provided in step a) and cured after contacting to form the antimicrobial finish on the textile thus comprises the polycarboxylic acid, the catalyst and solvent. Suitable solvents include but are not limited to one or more solvent(s) selected from an aqueous solvent, water, alcohol, ether, ethyl acetate, ketone or DMSO. That is, any one of the listed solvents or any mixture of the listed solvents that is suitable for dissolving the polycarboxylic acid in question is also suitable for use in the antimicrobial synthetic textile and the method of the present disclosure. Preferably, the solvent is an aqueous solvent such as water or a water-alcohol mixture. The water may be tap water or water recycled from the textile finishing process such as washing solution or used treatment solution.

[0046] It has now been surprisingly discovered that it is beneficial for durability of the antimicrobial finish that the molar amount of polycarboxylic acid does not greatly exceed the molar amount of catalyst. That is, the molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst is beneficially equal to or less than 1 .5:1 . In other words, the molar amount of polycarboxylic acid should be at most 1 .5 times the molar amount of catalyst.

[0047] Accordingly, the molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in step a) is equal to or less than 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 . Additionally or alternatively, the molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in step a) may be preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to <1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to <1.5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to <1.2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to <1 :1 .

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, the molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst is in the range of 0.1 :1 to 1 :1 , preferably in the range of 0.2:1 to 0.8:1 .

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, a suitable concentration of the polycarboxylic acid in the treatment solution is in the range of 0.5 to 20 wt-%, preferably 0.5 to 8 wt-%, more preferably 1 to 6 wt-%, even more preferably 1 to 4 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, a polycarboxylic acid concentration of 0.5 wt-%, 1 wt-%, 2 wt- %, 3 wt-%, 4 wt-%, 5 wt-%, 6 wt-%, 7 wt-%, 8 wt-%, 9 wt-%, 10 wt-%, 11 wt-%, 12 wt-%, 13 wt-%, 14 wt-%, 15 wt-%, 16 wt-%, 17 wt-%, 18 wt-%, 19 wt-% or 20 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, or a concentration range between any two of said concentrations may be used in the treatment solution.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, a suitable concentration of the catalyst in the treatment solution is in the range of 0.5 to 20 wt-%, preferably 0.5 to 8 wt-%, more preferably 1 to 6 wt-%, even more preferably 1 to 4 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution. Additionally or alternatively, a catalyst concentration of 0.5 wt-%, 1 wt-%, 2 wt-%, 3 wt-%, 4 wt-%, 5 wt-%, 6 wt-%, 7 wt-%, 8 wt-%, 9 wt-%, 10 wt-%, 11 wt-%, 12 wt-%, 13 wt-%, 14 wt-%, 15 wt-%, 16 wt-%, 17 wt-%, 18 wt-%, 19 wt-% or 20 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, or a concentration range between any two of said concentrations may be used in the treatment solution.

[0052] Polycarboxylic acids, particularly citric acid and isocitric acid may begin to disintegrate as an effect of heat, particularly at temperatures exceeding 175°C. Because of this, a textile treated with a polycarboxylic acid such as CA or ICA may have a strong tendency to turn yellow due to degradation of the polycarboxylic acid into, for example, unsaturated acids such as aconitic acid. Degradation occurs particularly at high temperatures and / or during a prolonged heat treatment. Therefore, a short curing time may help to avoid polycarboxylic acid disintegration.

[0053] Wash-durable antimicrobial activity is achieved particularly when curing is performed at high temperatures such as those ranging from 150°C to 180°C. However, it can be expected that in larger scale industrial applications heat transfer to the fabric in an industrial dryer is more efficient than in laboratory scale experiments. Thus, a lower temperature of 130°C or 140°C compared to curing in laboratory scale is believed to be sufficient in industrial scale.

[0054] Thus, additionally or alternatively, curing is performed in the method disclosed herein at a temperature of 130°C to 180°C, or 135° to 180°C, or 140°C to 180°C, or 145°C to 180°C, or 150° to 180°C, or 150° to 175°C, or 150° to 170°C.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the curing temperature may be 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, 155°C, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C or 180°C or any temperature range between any two of the temperatures 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, 155°C, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C or 180°C.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, curing is performed in the method disclosed herein for a period of time ranging from 5 to 600 seconds (s), or 10 to 600 seconds, or 15 to 300 seconds, or 30 to 90 seconds.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the curing time may be 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 150 s, 180 s, 210 s, 240 s, 240 s, 300 s, 360 s, 420 s, 480 s, 540 s, or 600 s, or any time range between any two of the time durations 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 150 s, 180 s, 210 s, 240 s, 240 s, 300 s, 360 s, 420 s, 480 s, 540 s, or 600 s. A one-step curing treatment may also be used to simultaneously dry the synthetic textile. In other words, a two-step treatment involving a separate drying step before the curing step may not be required to achieve a durable antimicrobial finishing.

[0058] As used herein, the term “drying” refers to applying heat to the synthetic textile to achieve a reduced moisture content. Typically, drying is performed at a lower temperature than curing for example to avoid disintegration of polycarboxylic acid and to avoid occurrence or onset of the curing reaction. A one-step curing typically provides a faster and more energy-efficient process compared to conventional two-step drying and curing.

[0059] In some embodiments, no drying step by applying heat to the polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile is performed before the curing step in the method disclosed herein. In other words, drying is achieved in a single curing step performed at a temperature of 130°C to 180°C, or 135° to 180°C, or 140°C to 180°C, or 145°C to 180°C, or 150° to 180°C, or 150° to 175°C, or 150° to 170°C. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature may be 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, 155°C, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C or 180°C or any temperature range between any two of the temperatures 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, 155°C, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C or 180°C.

[0060] The single curing step may be performed for a period of time ranging from 5 to 600 seconds, or 10 to 600 seconds, or 15 to 300 seconds, or 30 to 90 seconds. Additionally or alternatively, the curing time may be 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 150 s, 180 s, 210 s, 240 s, 240 s, 300 s, 360 s, 420 s, 480 s, 540 s, or 600 s, or any time range between any two of the time durations 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 150 s, 180 s, 210 s, 240 s, 240 s, 300 s, 360 s, 420 s, 480 s, 540 s, or 600 s.

[0061] As used herein, the term “wet pick-up” refers to the amount of fluid or solution by percent weight picked up by a textile during a method step. Wet pick-up is influenced by factors such as textile characteristics and solution properties. As used herein, the term “dry pickup” refers to the amount of treatment chemicals by percent weight left on a textile after evaporating the solvent comprised in the treatment solution or liquor.

[0062] We have discovered that a combination of wet pick-up, polycarboxylic acid concentration such as citric acid concentration and catalyst concentration such as SHP concentration that results in dry pick-up of polycarboxylic acid and catalyst in the range of 0.5% to 25% produces a durable and antimicrobially effective finish. Preferably, the dry pick-up of polycarboxylic acid and catalyst may be in the range of 1 % to 15% or 2% to 10%.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, the dry pick-up may be 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, or 25%, or any dry pick-up range between any two of the values 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, or 25%.

[0064] As readily understood by those skilled in the art, regulating dry pick-up of the textile may be performed by adjusting wet pick-up or concentration(s) of treatment chemical(s). As an example, using in treatment of synthetic textile a 10 wt% CA solution, a 10 wt% SHP solution and wet pick-up of 70%, dry pick-up for both CA and SHP is 7%.

[0065] The liquor ratio in the exhaust method is typically quite high, e.g. from 2:1 to 150:1 or even higher. This promotes usability of the liquor i.e. treatment solution for treating multiple batches of textile without significantly reducing in the liquor the amount of the chemicals that form the finishing. The liquor ratio is given as a weight ratio. As a way of example, a liquor ratio of 10:1 involves use of one kilogram of treatment solution for treatment of every 100 grams of synthetic textile.

[0066] Thus, in the method disclosed herein, the liquor ratio may be in the range of 2:1 to 150:1 , preferably 2:1 to 100:1 , more preferably 2:1 to 10:1.

[0067] After treatment with a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst, hand-feel of the treated synthetic fabric can in some cases be improved by rinsing with water, e.g. for 10 seconds using tap water in excess.

[0068] In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to any item and / or product manufactured from the antimicrobial synthetic textile obtainable by the method of the present disclosure. These include, but are not limited to items of clothing, furnishings, upholsteries, and products for healthcare and hospital use.

[0069] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to products manufactured from, containing or comprising the antimicrobial synthetic textile manufactured by or obtainable by the method of the present disclosure. The product may be selected from clothing; footwear; personal protective equipment; accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves, belts and ties; bags; luggage; backpacks; towels; interior textiles such as bedding, cushions, throws, curtains, drapes, upholstery, floor and wall coverings and car interiors; sports and outdoor equipment, medical textiles such as wound dressings, bandages, masks, gloves and surgical gowns; toys; industrial products such as filters, conveyor belts, geotextiles, industrial fabrics, shade nets, crop covers, packaging materials, insulation materials, gaskets, seals, and tire cords; and electronic devices such as headphones, microphones and speakers. As regards discoloration of polycarboxylic acid treated textiles due to formation of colored degradation products, use of a polyol in the treatment solution may prevent yellowing of the textile. This is because the presence of a polyol may prevent the unwanted sidereaction producing unsaturated acids such as aconitic acid. Such polyols include, but are not limited to xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol and pentaerythritol. Also, the use of BTCA, TBA and / or BTRCA as the polycarboxylic acid is believed to prevent or reduce formation of the yellow-colored side-products because these polycarboxylic acids form anhydrides upon heating without producing significant amounts of unsaturated acids.

[0070] Thust, the method and the antimicrobial synthetic textile of the present disclosure may involve a polyol selected from xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2- propanediol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 1 ,5-pentanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, Tris(methylol)ethane, and any combination thereof. The polyol may be introduced in a separate step or included in the treatment solution comprising polycarboxylic acid and catalyst. Preferably, the polyol is applied to the synthetic textile with the polycarboxylic acid before curing to produce the antimicrobial finish.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the polyol may be included in the treatment solution at a concentration in the range of 0.05 to 5 wt-%, preferably 0.05 to 3 wt-%, more preferably 0.05 to 2 wt-%, even more preferably 0.05 to 1 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution. Additionally or alternatively, a polyol concentration of 0.05 wt-%, 0.1 wt-%, 0.2 wt-%, 0.3 wt-%, 0.4 wt-%, 0.5 wt-%, 0.6 wt-%, 0.7 wt-%, 0.8 wt-%, 0.9 wt-%, 1 .0 wt-%, 1 .1 wt-%, 1 .2 wt-%, 1 .3 wt-%, 1 .4 wt-%, 1 .5 wt-%, 1 .6 wt-%, 1 .7 wt-%, 1 .8 wt-%, 1 .9 wt-%, 2.0 wt-%, 2.5 wt-%, 3.0 wt-%, 3.5 wt-%, 4.0 wt-%, 4.5 wt-% or 5.0 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution, or a concentration range between any two of said concentrations may be used in the treatment solution.

[0072] The treatment solution may comprise further auxiliary components including essential oils that contain terpenes for antimicrobial efficacy and odor control (e.g. peppermint oil). Odor control may also be achieved by metal oxides. As readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, further auxiliary components may include surfactants to decrease surface tension of water, rheology modifiers to alter the rheology of the solution, antifoaming additives such as polydimethylsiloxanes to reduce foaming and additional biocides approved for use in textile industry. Surfactants can alleviate problems caused by hardness of water. Preferably, the surfactant is a bio-sourced surfactant such as a green non-ionic surfactant. A water-soluble polymer may act as a rheology modifier. Polycarboxylic acids have several carboxylic groups each having their own pKavalue. For example, citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid having pKavalues of 3.128, 4.761 , and 6.396 at 25 °C. The antimicrobially most efficient range for citric acid is below pH 3.1 where at least half of the CA molecules have all three carboxylic groups protonated i.e. CA is in H3A form. For example, at pH 4.7 none of CA is in H3A form but half of it is in H2A form and half in HA form. The same applies to other polycarboxylic acids at their own specific pKavalues.

[0073] The pH of the treatment solution affects quality of the resulting antimicrobial finish. Using a pH in the range of 2 to 7 in the treatment solution that is applied on a synthetic textile to manufacture a polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile produces the most durable finish. Optionally, the pH may be in the range of 2 to 6, or 2 to 5, or 2 to 4, or 2 to 3. As readily understood by those skilled in the art, regulating pH of the treatment solution may be performed with acids and / or bases.

[0074] The method of the present disclosure may comprise treating the antimicrobial synthetic textile with one or more additional textile treatment agents or textile treatment substances that improve properties of the textile. Thus, the antimicrobial synthetic textile obtainable by the method comprises in addition to the antimicrobial finish a finish with one or more additional textile treatment agents or textile treatment substances.

[0075] Such one or more additional agent(s) or substance(s) may be added to the treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst that is cured to form the antimicrobial finishing. Additionally or alternatively, treating the textile with the additional agent(s) may be performed in a separate step that either precedes the antimicrobial finishing steps or is subsequent to them.

[0076] The additional textile treatment agent or textile treatment substance may be selected from one or more of anticrease agent, shrinkage control agent, fluorescent whitening agent, water repellent, oil repellent, self-cleaning agent, flame retardant, softener, odour absorber, odour controller, antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, antiviral agent, insect repellent, moisture managing agent, anti-static agent, anti-pilling agent, anti-slip agent, and UV-protecting agent. In some embodiments, the antibacterial agent is chitosan.

[0077] Alternatively, in cases where no additional antimicrobials are used, the additional textile treatment agent or textile treatment substance may be selected from one or more of anticrease agent, shrinkage control agent, fluorescent whitening agent, water repellent, oil repellent, self-cleaning agent, flame retardant, softener, odour absorber, odour controller, insect repellent, moisture managing agent, anti-static agent, anti-pilling agent, anti-slip agent, and UV-protecting agent.

[0078] In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to use of a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst in an antimicrobial treatment of a synthetic textile. Optionally, the treatment is achieved by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile.

[0079] In a yet further aspect, the present disclosure relates to an antimicrobial synthetic textile comprising an antimicrobial finish, wherein the antimicrobial finish comprises a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst. The antimicrobial finish may be formed by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile.

[0080] Various details and features of the present method apply also to the present use and to the present antimicrobial synthetic textile, as is readily understood by a skilled person. Thus, properties and features of suitable molar ratios, concentrations, and dry pick-up of the polycarboxylic acid and / or catalyst, as well as properties of the synthetic textile, for instance, are not repeated herein with respect to the use and the antimicrobial synthetic textile.

[0081] Some exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are given below.

[0082] A method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, comprising the steps of: a) providing a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst; b) contacting applying the treatment solution with a synthetic textile at a temperature ranging from 10°C to 160°C, and for a period of time ranging from 5min to 240min, to provide a polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile; and c) curing the polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile. The molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in step a) is up to 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1 .5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1. Optionally, the synthetic textile is noncellulosic and / or the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. Optionally, the method is an exhaustion method. Optionally, the method comprises no treatment of the synthetic textile with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

[0083] A method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, comprising the steps of: a) providing a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst; b) contacting applying the treatment solution with a synthetic textile at a temperature ranging from 10°C to 160°C, and for a period of time ranging from 5min to 240min, to provide a polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile; and c) curing the polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile. The molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in step a) is up to 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1 .5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1 . The polycarboxylic acid is one or more selected from citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarballylic acid (TCA) 1 ,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1 ,2,3,4- butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1 ,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid , citramalic acid, aconitic acid, 2-hydroxy-1 ,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid lactone (citric acid lactone), mucic acid, itaconic acid, oxaloacetic acid, 2-methylsuccinic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, 2-ketoglutaric acid, and ethylenediaminediacetic acid, or a salt, a hydrate or an isomer thereof. The catalyst is one or more selected from sodium hypophosphite (SHP), an SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), an MSP hydrate or any mixture thereof. Optionally, the synthetic textile is noncellulosic and / or the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. Optionally, the method is an exhaustion method. Optionally, the method comprises no treatment of the synthetic textile with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

[0084] A method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, comprising the steps of: a) providing a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst; b) contacting applying the treatment solution with a synthetic textile at a temperature ranging from 10°C to 160°C, and for a period of time ranging from 5min to 240min, to provide a polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile; and c) curing the polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile. The molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in step a) is up to 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1 .5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1 . The dry pick-up of polycarboxylic acid and / or catalyst is in the range of 0.5% to 25%, preferably in the range of 1% to 15%, more preferably 2% to 10%. Optionally, the synthetic textile is noncellulosic. and / or the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. Optionally, the method is an exhaustion method. Optionally, the method comprises no treatment of the synthetic textile with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

[0085] Use of a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst in an antimicrobial treatment of a synthetic textile. Optionally, the antimicrobial treatment is performed by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile. The molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in the treatment solution is up to 1.5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1.5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1.5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1. Optionally, the synthetic textile is noncellulosic and / or the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. Optionally, the synthetic textile is not treated with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

[0086] Use of a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst in an antimicrobial treatment of a synthetic textile. Optionally, the antimicrobial treatment is performed by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile. The molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in the treatment solution is up to 1.5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1.5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1.5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1 . The polycarboxylic acid is one or more selected from citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarballylic acid (TCA) 1 ,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1 ,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1 ,3,5- pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, citramalic acid, aconitic acid, 2-hydroxy-1 ,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid lactone (citric acid lactone), mucic acid, itaconic acid, oxaloacetic acid, 2-methylsuccinic acid, 2- hydroxyglutaric acid, 2-ketoglutaric acid, and ethylenediaminediacetic acid, or a salt, a hydrate or an isomer thereof. The catalyst is one or more selected from sodium hypophosphite (SHP), an SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), an MSP hydrate or any mixture thereof. Optionally, the synthetic textile is not treated with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

[0087] Use of a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst in an antimicrobial treatment of a synthetic textile. Optionally, the antimicrobial treatment is performed by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile. The molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in the treatment solution is up to 1.5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1.5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1.5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1. The dry pick-up of polycarboxylic acid and / or catalyst is in the range of 0.5% to 25%, preferably in the range of 1% to 15%, more preferably 2% to 10%. Optionally, the synthetic textile is noncellulosic and / or the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. Optionally, the synthetic textile is not treated with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids. An antimicrobial synthetic textile comprising an antimicrobial finish, wherein the antimicrobial finish comprises a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst. Optionally, the antimicrobial finish is formed by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile. The molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in the treatment solution is up to 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1 .5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1. Optionally, the synthetic textile is noncellulosic and / or the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. Optionally, the synthetic textile is not treated with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

[0088] An antimicrobial synthetic textile comprising an antimicrobial finish, wherein the antimicrobial finish comprises a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst. Optionally, the antimicrobial finish is formed by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile. The polycarboxylic acid is one or more selected from citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarballylic acid (TCA) 1 ,2,4- butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1 ,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1 ,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, citramalic acid, aconitic acid, 2-hydroxy-1 ,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid lactone (citric acid lactone), mucic acid, itaconic acid, oxaloacetic acid, 2-methylsuccinic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, 2-ketoglutaric acid, and ethylenediaminediacetic acid, or a salt, a hydrate or an isomer thereof. The catalyst is one or more selected from sodium hypophosphite (SHP), an SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), an MSP hydrate or any mixture thereof. Optionally, the synthetic textile is not treated with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

[0089] An antimicrobial synthetic textile comprising an antimicrobial finish, wherein the antimicrobial finish comprises a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst. Optionally, the antimicrobial finish is formed by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile. The molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in the treatment solution is up to 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1 .5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1 . The dry pick-up of polycarboxylic acid and / or catalyst is in the range of 0.5% to 25%, preferably in the range of 1% to 15%, more preferably 2% to 10%. Optionally, the synthetic textile is noncellulosic and / or the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. Optionally, the synthetic textile is not treated with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

[0090] EXAMPLES

[0091] Example 1

[0092] Example 1 presents a method of antimicrobially finishing a synthetic blend textile with citric acid employing sodium hypophosphite as catalyst using two different methods of application: padding and exhaustion.

[0093] Water-soluble treatment solution concentrate was prepared as follows. Citric acid anhydrous (CA; CAS No. 77-92-9), monosodium citrate anhydrous (MSC; CAS No. 18996-35-5), and D-glucitol (CAS No. 50-70-4) were in solid form when dissolved in distilled water heated up to 50 °C temperature. Sodium hypophosphite anhydrous (SHP) (CAS No. 7681 -53-0) was dissolved separately in distilled water at room temperature and then mixed with other components when all components were completely dissolved. The final concentrations were 6.4wt% for CA and 7.1wt% for MSC, 0.9% for D-glucitol, and 10.7% for SHP. Glucitol is also known as sorbitol. pH of the solution was adjusted to 2.9.

[0094] The synthetic blend textile (88% polyester, 12% elastane) was treated with the treatment solution using two different application methods a) padding and b) exhaustion. a) Padding. The synthetic blend textile swatches were briefly immersed in the treatment solution prepared by diluting the concentrate to 70wt% (the final concentrations: 4.5wt% for CA and 5wt% for MSC, 0.6% for D-glucitol, and 7.5% for SHP), and swirled around for approximately 20 seconds. After impregnation, the wet textile swatches were run through a padder mangle to adjust wet pick-up by padding to approximately 70% pick-up. Wet samples were placed to stenter frame and firstly dried completely at 120 °C for 90 seconds and then cured at 160 °C for 60 seconds. Treated textile swatches were additionally rinsed thoroughly with tap water and then subjected to laundering. Laundering included either Ox or 8x wet-on-wet domestic laundering cycles at 40°C. Laundering was carried out according to 4N program of the ISO 6330 standard in an Electrolux Professional Wascator FOM71 CLS using the ECE-2 reference detergent. All samples were rinsed well in deionized water prior to the antimicrobial test. b) Exhaustion. The treatment solutions for the exhaustion application were prepared by diluting the concentrate to 1 ) 70wt% and 2) 50wt% (the final concentrations: CA 4.5wt% and 3.2wt%, MSC 5.0wt% and 3.6wt%, D-glucitol 0.6wt% and 0.4wt%, and SHP 7.5wt% and 5.4wt%, respectively), and heating the solutions to 50 °C. The synthetic blend textile swatches immersed in the treatment solutions and allowed to stay immersed with slow agitation for 30 minutes. After the exhaustion, the wet textile swatches were dried, cured, rinsed and laundered similarly as described in a) for the swatches treated by the padding method, except they were subjected to either Ox or 7x laundering cycles.

[0095] Determination of durability and resultant antibacterial protection of the treated fabrics was carried out through screening tests based on standard ISO 20743. In brief, pieces of treated polyester fabric (0.4 g) were inoculated with 3.6 x104cells of Staphylococcus aureus. After 21 -hour contact time, the surviving S. aureus cells were shaken-out from the sample pieces with 20 ml of tryptone soy broth supplemented with 0.07% lecithin and 0.5% Tween®. S. aureus cells were quantitated by plating a dilution series of the shake-out liquid on tryptone soy agar plates and counting colonies after 24-hour incubation.

[0096] Antibacterial activity value (A) was calculated according to formula [1]:

[0097] A = (IgCt- IgCo) - (IgTt - lgT0) = F - G

[0001] where F is the growth value on the control specimen (F = (IgCt— IgCo); G is the growth value on the antibacterial testing specimen (G = (lgTt- lgT0); Ig Ctis the common logarithm of the number of bacteria obtained from control specimen after an 18 h to 24 h incubation; Ig Co is the common logarithm of the number of bacteria in the inoculum; Ig Ttis the common logarithm of the number of bacteria obtained from antibacterial testing specimen after an 18 h to 24 h incubation; Ig Tois the common logarithm of the number of bacteria in the inoculum. A values and data used for calculation of A are presented in Table 1 . Table 1. Data for antibacterial activity value (A) calculation for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). Ox = Ox washed sample; 7x = 7x washed sample, 8x = 8x washed sample.

[0098] When the treatment solution was applied on the synthetic blend textile using the padding method, the antimicrobial activity of the unwashed textile was strong, but most of the antimicrobial activity was lost after 8x laundering cycles. However, when the treatment solution was applied on the textile using the exhaustion method, the antimicrobial activity remained strong even after 7x laundering cycles. Compared to padding, the exhaust method facilitates use of a smaller amount of polycarboxylic acid and catalyst while still achieving a more durable and higher activity antimicrobial finish. As per visual inspection, no yellowing of the textile was observed. This is assumed to be influenced by the presence of the polyol sorbitol in the samples.

[0099] Example 2

[0100] Example 2 presents a method of antimicrobially finishing a synthetic textile with citric acid using the exhaustion method employing sodium hypophosphite as catalyst at two different concentrations (a and b). The method involves a two-step heat treatment of separately drying and curing the textile. Also, yellowing of the textile was prevented by polyol addition.

[0101] Water-soluble treatment solution concentrate was prepared as follows. Citric acid anhydrous (CA; CAS No. 77-92-9), monosodium citrate anhydrous (MSC; CAS No. 18996- 35-5), and D-glucitol (CAS No. 50-70-4) were in solid form when dissolved in deionized water heated up to 50 °C temperature. Sodium hypophosphite anhydrous (SHP) (CAS No. 7681 -53-0) was dissolved separately in deionized water at room temperature and then mixed with other components. Before treating the textile, the solutions were diluted 1 :1 with water. The final concentrations were 3.2wt% for CA and 3.6wt% for MSC, 0.4wt% for D-glucitol, and a) 5.3wt% or b) 2.0wt% for SHP, resulting in a molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid:catalyst of a) 0.55:1 and b) 1.5:1. In calculating the ratio, the concentrations of CA and MSC are added together to obtain the total amount of polycarboxylic acids.

[0102] Prior to fabric treatment, pH of the solutions was adjusted to 2.9 and the solutions were heated to 50 °C. Polyester fabric swatches were immersed in the treatment solutions and allowed to stay immersed with slow agitation for 45 minutes at 50 °C. After the exhaustion treatment, the wet textile swatches were padded to approximately 70% pick-up. Wet samples were placed to stenter frame and firstly dried completely in 120 °C for 90 seconds and then cured in 160 °C for 60 seconds. After curing, fabric samples were left to rehydrate overnight in room temperature and were then ready for further processing. The treated polyester swatches were then subjected to laundering. Laundering included 10x wet-on- wet domestic laundering cycles at 30 °C. Laundering was carried out according to 3G program of the ISO 6330 standard in an Electrolux Professional Wascator FOM71 CLS using the ECE-2 reference detergent. All samples were rinsed well in deionized water prior to analysis.

[0103] Determination of durability and resultant antibacterial protection of the treated fabrics was carried out through screening tests based on standard ISO 20743. In brief, pieces of treated polyester fabric (0.4 g) were inoculated with 3.0 x104cells of Staphylococcus aureus. After 24-hour contact time, the surviving S. aureus cells were shaken-out from the sample pieces with 20 ml of tryptone soy broth supplemented with 0.07% lecithin and 0.5% Tween®. S. aureus cells were quantitated by plating a dilution series of the shake-out liquid on tryptone soy agar plates and counting colonies after 24-hour incubation.

[0104] Antibacterial activity value (A) was calculated according to formula [1]:

[0105] A = (IgCt- IgCo) - (IgTt - IgTo) = F - G

[0001] where F is the growth value on the control specimen (F = (IgCt— IgCo); G is the growth value on the antibacterial testing specimen (G = (IgTt - IgTo); Ig Ct is the common logarithm of the number of bacteria obtained from control specimen after an 18 h to 24 h incubation; Ig Co is the common logarithm of the number of bacteria in the inoculum; Ig Ttis the common logarithm of the number of bacteria obtained from antibacterial testing specimen after an 18 h to 24 h incubation; Ig Tois the common logarithm of the number of bacteria in the inoculum. A values and data used for calculation of A is presented in Table 2.

[0106] Table 2. Data for antibacterial activity value (A) calculation for treated polyester fabric swatches.

[0107] The results show that when the fabric was treated with a solution that was prepared with the preferred (CA+MSC):SHP ratio of 0.55:1 (solution a), the antibacterial property of the fabric was strong, with a reduction value of 3.5 log units (ISO 20743 standard: reduction >3 log units = strong antibacterial property). On the contrary, when the (CA+MSC):SHP ratio in the treatment solution was 1.5:1 (solution b), there was no, or only very low, antibacterial property on the treated fabric after 10 washing cycles (ISO 20743: reduction <2 log units = low antibacterial property. Antibacterial value of 2.0 or greater can is considered a level at which definite antibacterial effects can be confirmed). This indicates that the optimal ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst is 1.5:1 or below. As per visual inspection, no yellowing of the textile was observed. This is assumed to be influenced by the presence of the polyol D-glucitol i.e. sorbitol in the samples

[0108] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The present disclosure and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method for manufacturing an antimicrobial synthetic textile, comprising the steps of: a) providing a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst; b) contacting the treatment solution with a synthetic textile at a temperature ranging from 10°C to 160°C, and for a period of time ranging from 5min to 240min, to provide a polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile; and c) curing the polycarboxylic acid treated synthetic textile.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polycarboxylic acid is one or more selected from citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarballylic acid (TCA) 1 ,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1 ,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1 ,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, citramalic acid, aconitic acid, 2-hydroxy-1 ,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid lactone (citric acid lactone), mucic acid, itaconic acid, oxaloacetic acid, 2- methylsuccinic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, 2-ketoglutaric acid, and ethylenediaminediacetic acid, or a salt, a hydrate or an isomer thereof.

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

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in step a) is up to 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1 .5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1 .

5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein concentration of the polycarboxylic acid is in the range of 0.5 to 20 wt-%, preferably 0.5 to 8 wt-%, more preferably 1 to 6 wt-%, even more preferably 1 to 4 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein concentration of the catalyst is in the range of 0.5 to 20 wt-%, preferably 0.5 to 8 wt-%, more preferably 1 to 6 wt-%, even more preferably 1 to 4 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

7. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein curing is performed at a temperature ranging from 130°C to 180°C, or 135° to 180°C, or 140°C to 180°C, or 145°C to 180°C, or 150° to 180°C, or 150° to 175°C, or 150° to 170°C.

8. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein curing is performed for a period of time ranging from 5 to 600 seconds, or 10 to 600 seconds, or 15 to 300 seconds, or 30 to 90 seconds.

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein no drying step precedes the curing step c).

10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment solution has a pH in the range of 2 to 7, or 2 to 6, or 2 to 5, or 2 to 4, or 2 to 3.11 . The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein dry pick-up of polycarboxylic acid and / or catalyst is in the range of 0.5% to 25%, preferably in the range of 1% to 15%, more preferably 2% to 10%.

12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthetic textile is noncellulosic.

13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group.

14. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and polylactic acid (PLA); polyamides such as nylons and aramids; polyacrylonitriles such as acrylic and modacrylic; olefins; polyvinyl chlorides such as vinyon; polyethylenes such as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastanes; polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fibres;and any mixture thereof, preferably the synthetic textile is selected from polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylonitriles, polyethylenes, elastanes and any mixtures thereof.

15. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein to provide the treatment solution, the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst are dissolved in a solvent selected from an aqueous solvent, water, alcohol, ether, ethyl acetate, ketone, DMSO or any mixture thereof, preferably the solvent is selected from an aqueous solvent or water.

16. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment solution further comprises a polyol selected from xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 1 ,5-pentanediol, 1 ,6- hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, Tris(methylol)ethane and any combination thereof, optionally at a concentration in the range of 0.05 to 5 wt-%, preferably 0.05 to 3 wt-%, more preferably 0.05 to 2 wt-%, even more preferably 0.05 to 1 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

17. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises treating the antimicrobial synthetic textile with one or more additional textile treatment agent(s) selected from anticrease agent, shrinkage control agent, fluorescent whitening agent, water repellent, oil repellent, self-cleaning agent, flame retardant, softener, odour absorber, odour controller, antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, antiviral agent, insect repellent, moisture managing agent, anti-static agent, anti-pilling agent, anti-slip agent, and UV-protecting agent, optionally wherein the one or more additional textile treatment agent(s) is (are) comprised in the treatment solution.

18. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthetic textile comprises fibers, yarns, filaments, threads, and fabrics such as woven fabric, knits, non-woven fabric and cloth.

19. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquor ratio is from 2:1 to 150:1.

20. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is an exhaustion method.21 . The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises no treatment of the synthetic textile with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals suchas copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

22. An antimicrobial synthetic textile produced according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A product comprising the antimicrobial synthetic textile of claim 22, optionally wherein the product is selected from clothing; footwear; personal protective equipment; accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves, belts and ties; bags; luggage; backpacks; towels; interior textiles such as bedding, cushions, throws, curtains, drapes, upholstery, floor and wall coverings and car interiors; sports and outdoor equipment, medical textiles such as wound dressings, bandages, masks, gloves and surgical gowns; toys; industrial products such as filters, conveyor belts, geotextiles, industrial fabrics, shade nets, crop covers, packaging materials, insulation materials, gaskets, seals, and tire cords; and electronic devices such as headphones, microphones and speakers.

24. Use of a treatment solution comprising a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst in an antimicrobial treatment of a synthetic textile, optionally by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile.

25. The use of claim 24, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is one or more selected from citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarballylic acid (TCA) 1 ,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1 ,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1 ,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, citramalic acid, aconitic acid, 2-hydroxy-1 ,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid lactone (citric acid lactone), mucic acid, itaconic acid, oxaloacetic acid, 2- methylsuccinic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, 2-ketoglutaric acid, and ethylenediaminediacetic acid, or a salt, a hydrate or an isomer thereof.

26. The use of claim 24 or 25, wherein the catalyst is one or more selected from sodium hypophosphite (SHP), an SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), an MSP hydrate or any mixture thereof.

27. The use of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst is up to 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1 .5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1 .5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.5:1 , even morepreferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1.2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1.2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1 .

28. The use of any one of preceding claims 24 to 27, wherein concentration of the polycarboxylic acid in the treatment solution is in the range of 0.5 to 20 wt-%, preferably 0.5 to 8 wt-%, more preferably 1 to 6 wt-%, even more preferably 1 to 4 wt- %, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

29. The use of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein concentration of the catalyst is in the range of 0.5 to 20 wt-%, preferably 0.5 to 8 wt-%, more preferably 1 to 6 wt-%, even more preferably 1 to 4 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

30. The use of any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the treatment solution is cured onto the synthetic textile at a temperature ranging from 130°C to 180°C, or 135° to 180°C, or 140°C to 180°C, or 145°C to 180°C, or 150° to 180°C, or 150° to 175°C, or 150° to 170°C.31 . The use of any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein the treatment solution is cured onto the synthetic textile for a period of time ranging from 5 to 600 seconds, or 10 to 600 seconds, or 15 to 300 seconds, or 30 to 90 seconds.

32. The use of any one of claims 24 to 31 , wherein the treatment solution has a pH in the range of 2 to 7, or 2 to 6, or 2 to 5, or 2 to 4, or 2 to 3.

33. The use of any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein dry pick-up of polycarboxylic acid and / or catalyst is in the range of 0.5% to 25%, preferably in the range of 1% to 15%, more preferably 2% to 10%.

34. The use of any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the synthetic textile is noncellulosic.

35. The use of any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group.

36. The use of any one of claims 24 to 35, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and polylactic acid (PLA);polyamides such as nylons and aramids; polyacrylonitriles such as acrylic and modacrylic; olefins; polyvinyl chlorides such as vinyon; polyethylenes such as ultra- high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastanes; polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fibres; and any mixture thereof, preferably the synthetic textile is selected from polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylonitriles, polyethylenes, elastanes and any mixtures thereof.

37. The use of any one of claims 24 to 36, wherein the treatment solution comprises polycarboxylic acid and catalyst dissolved in a solvent selected from an aqueous solvent, water, alcohol, ether, ethyl acetate, ketone, DMSO or any mixture thereof, preferably the solvent is selected from an aqueous solvent or water.

38. The use of any one of claims 24 to 37, wherein the treatment solution further comprises a polyol selected from xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 1 ,5-pentanediol, 1 ,6- hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, Tris(methylol)ethane and any combination thereof, optionally at a concentration in the range of 0.05 to 5 wt-%, preferably 0.05 to 3 wt-%, more preferably 0.05 to 2 wt-%, even more preferably 0.05 to 1 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

39. The use of any one of claims 24 to 38, wherein the synthetic textile is treated with one or more additional textile treatment agent(s) selected from anticrease agent, shrinkage control agent, fluorescent whitening agent, water repellent, oil repellent, self-cleaning agent, flame retardant, softener, odour absorber, odour controller, antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, antiviral agent, insect repellent, moisture managing agent, anti-static agent, anti-pilling agent, anti-slip agent, and UV-protecting agent, optionally wherein the one or more additional textile treatment agent(s) is (are) comprised in the treatment solution.

40. The use of any one of claims 24 to 39, wherein the synthetic textile comprises fibers, yarns, filaments, threads, and fabrics such as woven fabric, knits, non-woven fabric and cloth.

41. The use of any one of claims 24 to 40, wherein the liquor ratio in antimicrobial treatment is from 2:1 to 150:1.

42. The use of any one of claims 24 to 41 , wherein the synthetic textile is not treated with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

43. An antimicrobial synthetic textile comprising an antimicrobial finish, wherein the antimicrobial finish comprises a polycarboxylic acid and a catalyst.

44. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of claim 43, wherein the antimicrobial finish is formed by exhaustion of a treatment solution comprising the polycarboxylic acid and catalyst onto the synthetic textile.

45. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of claim 43 or 44, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is one or more selected from citric acid (CA), isocitric acid (ICA), tricarballylic acid (TCA) 1 ,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid (BTRCA), 1 ,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, 1 ,3,5-pentanetricarboxylic acid, gluconic acid, mannaric acid, galactaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, citramalic acid, aconitic acid, 2-hydroxy-1 ,2,3- propane-tricarboxylic acid lactone (citric acid lactone), mucic acid, itaconic acid, oxaloacetic acid, 2-methylsuccinic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, 2-ketoglutaric acid, and ethylenediaminediacetic acid, or a salt, a hydrate or an isomer thereof.

46. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the catalyst is one or more selected from sodium hypophosphite (SHP), an SHP hydrate, monosodium phosphate (MSP), an MSP hydrate or any mixture thereof.

47. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the molar ratio of polycarboxylic acid to catalyst in the treatment solution is up to 1 .5:1 , preferably in the range of 0.01 :1 to 1.5:1 , or 0.01 :1 to <1.5:1 , more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .5:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .5:1 , even more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 .2:1 or 0.05:1 to <1 .2:1 , still more preferably in the range of 0.05:1 to 1 :1 or 0.05:1 to <1 :1 .

48. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of preceding claims 44 to 47, wherein concentration of the polycarboxylic acid is in the range of 0.5 to 20 wt-%, preferably 0.5 to 8 wt-%, more preferably 1 to 6 wt-%, even more preferably 1 to 4 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

49. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein concentration of the catalyst is in the range of 0.5 to 20 wt-%, preferably 0.5 to 8 wt-%, morepreferably 1 to 6 wt-%, even more preferably 1 to 4 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

50. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the treatment solution is cured onto the synthetic textile at a temperature ranging from 130°C to 180°C, or 135° to 180°C, or 140°C to 180°C, or 145°C to 180°C, or 150° to 180°C, or 150° to 175°C, or 150° to 170°C.51 . The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 44 to 50, wherein the treatment solution is cured onto the synthetic textile for a period of time ranging from 5 to 600 seconds, or 10 to 600 seconds, or 15 to 300 seconds, or 30 to 90 seconds.

52. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 44 to 51 , wherein the treatment solution has a pH in the range of 2 to 7, or 2 to 6, or 2 to 5, or 2 to 4, or 2 to 3.

53. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 52, wherein dry pick-up of polycarboxylic acid and / or catalyst is in the range of 0.5% to 25%, preferably in the range of 1% to 15%, more preferably 2% to 10%.

54. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 53, wherein the synthetic textile is noncellulosic.

55. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 54, wherein the synthetic textile comprises or consists of a polymer material, optionally wherein the polymer molecule(s) in the polymer material comprise up to one free hydroxyl group at each end of the polymer molecule and no free hydroxyl group(s) between the ends, wherein the free hydroxyl group is independently selected from a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group.

56. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 55, wherein the synthetic textile is selected from polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and polylactic acid (PLA); polyamides such as nylons and aramids; polyacrylonitriles such as acrylic and modacrylic; olefins; polyvinyl chlorides such as vinyon; polyethylenes such as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), Dyneema and Spectra; elastanes; polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); polybenzimidazole (PBI); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO); Vectran; glass fibres; and any mixture thereof, preferably the synthetic textile is selected from polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylonitriles, polyethylenes, elastanes and any mixtures thereof.

57. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 44 to 56, wherein the treatment solution comprises polycarboxylic acid and catalyst dissolved in a solvent selected from an aqueous solvent, water, alcohol, ether, ethyl acetate, ketone, DMSO or any mixture thereof, preferably the solvent is selected from an aqueous solvent or water.

58. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 44 to 57, wherein the treatment solution further comprises a polyol selected from xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 1 ,5- pentanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, Tris(methylol)ethane and any combination thereof, optionally at a concentration in the range of 0.05 to 5 wt-%, preferably 0.05 to 3 wt-%, more preferably 0.05 to 2 wt-%, even more preferably 0.05 to 1 wt-%, based on the total weight of the treatment solution.

59. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 58, wherein the synthetic textile is treated with one or more additional textile treatment agent(s) selected from anticrease agent, shrinkage control agent, fluorescent whitening agent, water repellent, oil repellent, self-cleaning agent, flame retardant, softener, odour absorber, odour controller, antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, antiviral agent, insect repellent, moisture managing agent, anti-static agent, anti-pilling agent, anti-slip agent, and UV- protecting agent, optionally wherein the one or more additional textile treatment agent(s) is (are) comprised in the treatment solution.

60. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 59, wherein the synthetic textile comprises fibers, yarns, filaments, threads, and fabrics such as woven fabric, knits, non-woven fabric and cloth.

61. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 60, wherein the liquor ratio in antimicrobial treatment is from 2:1 to 150:1.

62. The antimicrobial synthetic textile of any one of claims 43 to 61 , wherein the synthetic textile is not treated with an additional antimicrobial agent, optionally wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is one or more selected from metals such as copper, zinc and silver; titanium dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds; essential oils; and fatty acids.

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