Functional fiber and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a functional fiber including functional particles and a method for manufacturing same, wherein the functional fiber includes a porous polymer fiber and functional particles distributed at least in the porous polymer fiber, the functional particles are contained in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% on the basis of the total weight of the functional fiber, and the functional particles are exposed to the outside from the surface of the porous polymer fiber. The functional fiber has pores formed on the surface thereof so as to position antibacterial and antiviral materials present inside the fiber toward the surface of the fiber, resulting in improved antibacterial and antiviral efficiency, and the method for manufacturing the functional fiber can easily adjust porosity on the surface of the functional fiber through humidity control.

Description

Functional fibers and methods for manufacturing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to functional fibers and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002] With air pollution increasing due to the rapid development of modern industry, various microorganisms harmful to the human body, such as invisible bacteria, mold, and viruses, are floating in the air. These microorganisms can cause airborne infections and environmental diseases, thereby having harmful effects on the human body and the environment.

[0003] Therefore, the development of various air filters to block them is actively underway; however, since various microorganisms trapped in the filter can cause further infections through proliferation, an antimicrobial effect that inhibits growth is required.

[0004] Meanwhile, electrospinning is a method of producing fibers with diameters ranging from several nanometers (nm) to several micrometers (μm) by spraying a polymer solution dissolved in an electric field. Due to the diversity of polymers, the simplicity of the manufacturing process, and the applicability to various commercial products, it is used in many fields, including filters, protective clothing, composite materials, and drug delivery.

[0005] Functional fibers according to one embodiment of the present invention have pores formed on their surface, which can improve antibacterial and antiviral efficiency.

[0006] The method for manufacturing functional fibers according to other embodiments of the present invention can easily control the porosity on the surface of the functional fiber.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention for achieving the purpose described above discloses a functional fiber comprising functional particles, wherein the functional fiber comprises a porous polymer fiber and at least functional particles distributed within the porous polymer fiber, wherein the functional particles are included in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% based on the entire functional fiber, and the functional particles are exposed to the outside from the surface of the porous polymer fiber.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose discloses a method for manufacturing a functional fiber comprising the steps of: preparing a mixture containing functional particles; loading the mixture into an electrospinning device located inside a chamber; controlling the humidity inside the chamber; and electrospinning the mixture to manufacture a functional fiber, wherein the functional fiber comprises a porous polymer fiber and the functional particles dispersed within the porous polymer fiber, and the surface pores of the porous polymer fiber are controlled by controlling the humidity.

[0009] A functional fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention has pores formed on its surface, so that antibacterial and antiviral substances present inside the fiber are positioned on the fiber surface, thereby improving antibacterial and antiviral efficiency.

[0010] A method for manufacturing functional fibers according to other embodiments of the present invention can easily control the porosity on the surface of the functional fibers through humidity control.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a functional fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of a method for manufacturing functional fibers according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing functional fibers according to Figure 2.

[0014] FIGS. 4a to 4e are perspective views illustrating various examples of functional fiber surfaces manufactured according to the principle of the breath figure method.

[0015] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a water droplet located on the surface of a functional fiber.

[0016] Figures 6a to 6d are SEM images of functional fibers according to humidity.

[0017] Figure 7 is a graph showing the results of measuring the total surface area of ​​functional fibers.

[0018] Figures 8a to 8d are SEM-EDS measurement results analyzing the surface exposure of functional particles according to content.

[0019] FIGS. 9a to 9c illustrate the results of antimicrobial activity tests against S. aureus bacteria conducted in Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0020] FIGS. 10a to 10c illustrate the results of antimicrobial activity tests against E. coli bacteria conducted in Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0021] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the MS2 virus conducted as Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0022] FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the H1N1 virus conducted as Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0023] FIGS. 13a and FIGS. 13b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the Corona229E virus conducted as Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0024] FIGS. 14a to 14c illustrate the results of antimicrobial activity tests against S. aureus bacteria conducted in Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0025] FIGS. 15a to 15c illustrate the results of antimicrobial activity tests against E. coli bacteria conducted in Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0026] FIGS. 16a and 16b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the MS2 virus conducted in Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0027] FIGS. 17a and 17b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the H1N1 virus conducted in Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0028] FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the Corona229E virus conducted as Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0029] One embodiment of the present invention for achieving the purpose described above discloses a functional fiber comprising functional particles, wherein the functional fiber comprises a porous polymer fiber and at least functional particles distributed within the porous polymer fiber, wherein the functional particles are included in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% based on the entire functional fiber, and the functional particles are exposed to the outside from the surface of the porous polymer fiber.

[0030] In this embodiment, the surface area of ​​the porous polymer fiber on which the functional particles are located is 0.205 m² 2 / g to 29.427 m 2 It can be / g.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the porous polymer fiber comprises one or more selected from polymethyl metharylate (PMMA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polylactic acid (PLA), and the functional particle may comprise one or more selected from copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and manganese (Mn).

[0032] Another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose discloses a method for manufacturing a functional fiber comprising the steps of: preparing a mixture containing functional particles; loading the mixture into an electrospinning device located inside a chamber; controlling the humidity inside the chamber; and electrospinning the mixture to manufacture a functional fiber, wherein the functional fiber comprises a porous polymer fiber and the functional particles dispersed within the porous polymer fiber, and the surface pores of the porous polymer fiber are controlled by controlling the humidity.

[0033] In the present embodiment, in the step of controlling the humidity, the humidity is controlled by a humidification device, and the humidification device may include a humidifier.

[0034] In this embodiment, in the step of controlling the humidity, the humidity inside the chamber may be 20% to 60%.

[0035] In this embodiment, if the humidity inside the chamber increases, the surface porosity of the functional fiber may increase.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the functional particles are included in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% based on the total mixture, and the porous polymer fibers include one or more selected from polymethyl metharylate (PMMA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polylactic acid (PLA), and the functional particles may include one or more selected from copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and manganese (Mn).

[0037] In this embodiment, the functional particles can be exposed to the outside at least on the surface of the porous polymer fiber.

[0038] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0039] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0040] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0042] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a film, region, or component is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is directly on top of another part, but also cases where another film, region, or component is interposed in between.

[0043] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, and when describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a functional fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that a functional fiber (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of pores (P) formed on its surface. When a plurality of pores (P) are formed on the surface of the functional fiber (10) in this way, the total surface area of ​​the entire functional fiber (10) can be increased, thereby increasing the contact area between the antibacterial or antiviral substance contained in the functional fiber (10) and the pathogen, and thus improving the antibacterial or antiviral efficiency.

[0047] For example, the functional fiber (10) may be manufactured by including a porous polymer fiber and an antibacterial or antiviral substance, and as a specific example, the porous polymer fiber may include one or more selected from polymethyl metharylate (PMMA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polylactic acid (PLA), and the antibacterial or antiviral substance may include a transition metal or a metal oxide and may include one or more selected from copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and manganese (Mn).

[0048] As an optional embodiment, a functional fiber (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% of a transition metal based on the total mass of the functional fiber (10) using a porous polymer fiber as a binder, and specifically, the porous polymer fiber may include polylactic acid (PLA), and the antibacterial or antiviral material may include zinc oxide (ZnO).

[0049] Meanwhile, if the transition metal is included in an amount of less than 0.05 wt% based on the total mass of the functional fiber (10), the antibacterial and antiviral efficiency of the functional fiber (10) may be reduced, and if the transition metal is included in an amount of more than 5 wt% based on the total mass of the functional fiber (10), the cost may increase due to the unnecessary use of the transition metal.

[0050] As an optional embodiment, a functional fiber (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used as a material for a filter, and the filter may include, for example, an air filtration filter.

[0051] Meanwhile, since the functional fiber (10) is very thin, it has a very large surface area per unit mass, so it can have a high specific surface area, and since it contains multiple pores on its surface, the total surface area is further increased, allowing it to have an even higher specific surface area. This high specific surface area allows more particles to come into contact with the fiber and be filtered, thereby increasing the efficiency of the filter. In addition, the functional fiber (10) contains antibacterial or antiviral substances, so the filter made of the functional fiber (10) can have antibacterial and antiviral effects.

[0052] Meanwhile, a filter containing functional fibers (10) can be manufactured through an electrospinning method, and the porosity of the surface of the functional fibers (10) can be controlled.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of a method for manufacturing functional fibers according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, a method for manufacturing a functional fiber according to another embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of preparing a mixture containing functional particles (S10), loading the mixture into an electrospinning device located inside a chamber (S20), controlling the humidity inside the chamber (S30), and manufacturing a functional fiber by electrospinning the mixture (S40).

[0055] In the step (S10) of preparing a mixture containing functional particles, the mixture may be prepared by including a solvent, porous polymer fibers, and functional particles, and as an example, the functional particles may include an antibacterial or antiviral substance. As a specific example, the solvent may include an organic solvent, and the porous polymer fibers may include any one selected from polymethyl metharylate (PMMA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polylactic acid (PLA), and the antibacterial or antiviral substance may include a transition metal or a metal oxide, and may include one or more selected from copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and manganese (Mn).

[0056] As an optional example, the mixture may contain 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% of a transition metal based on the total mass of the functional fiber, using a porous polymer fiber as a binder; specifically, the porous polymer fiber may contain polylactic acid (PLA), and the antibacterial or antiviral material may contain zinc oxide (ZnO).

[0057] Meanwhile, if the transition metal is included in less than 0.05 wt% based on the total mass of the functional fiber, the antibacterial and antiviral efficiency of the functional fiber (10) may be reduced, and if the transition metal is included in more than 5 wt% based on the total mass of the functional fiber, the cost may increase due to the unnecessary use of the transition metal.

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing functional fibers according to Figure 2.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, in the step (S20) of loading the mixture into an electrospinning device located inside a chamber, the mixture containing porous polymer fibers and an antibacterial or antiviral substance may be prepared in a solution state and placed in the injector (200) of the electrospinning device. At this time, the electrospinning device may be placed inside a chamber (100) that can be sealed and isolated from the outside so that electrospinning can be performed.

[0060] In the step (S30) of controlling the humidity inside the chamber, the humidity inside the chamber (100) can be controlled by a humidification device (300) and can maintain the humidity inside the chamber (100) at 20% to 60%. At this time, the chamber (100) can be maintained in a sealed state isolated from the outside, so that the inside of the chamber can be continuously maintained at a constant humidity.

[0061] For example, the humidification device (300) may include a device capable of detecting ambient humidity and maintaining a constant humidity inside the chamber (100), and specifically, may include a humidifier.

[0062] In the step (S40) of manufacturing a functional fiber by electrospinning the above mixture, when electrospinning the mixture is performed, water droplets (WD) located inside the chamber (100) maintaining a constant humidity may adhere to the surface of the mixture that is electrospun and collected in the form of fibers by a dust collector. At this time, multiple pores may be formed on the surface of the mixture collected in the form of fibers according to the principle of the breath figure method.

[0063] FIGS. 4a to 4e are perspective views illustrating various examples of functional fiber surfaces manufactured according to the principle of the breath figure method.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4a, the highly volatile solvent (20) contained in the solution-form mixture remains on the surface of the fiber-form mixture (10) after electrospinning of the mixture and then evaporates rapidly, which can cause a cooling effect and cool the surrounding air.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4b, gaseous water droplets (WD) in the surroundings generated for humidity control may condense due to the cooling effect described above, becoming liquid water droplets (WD) and forming on the surface of the solvent (20) that has not evaporated.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4c, as the humidity in the chamber (100) increases, the proportion of gaseous water droplets (WD) in the air increases, so the number of water droplets (WD) condensed on the surface of the solvent (20) also increases, and the condensed water droplets (WD) can clump together and grow larger.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4d, the increasingly larger water droplets (WD) can penetrate into the fiber-shaped mixture (10) by using the unevaporated solvent (20) as a stepping stone due to external pressure in contact with the water droplets (WD) which is higher than the pressure inside the water droplets (WD).

[0068] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a water droplet located on the surface of a functional fiber.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5, the internal pressure (P') acting inside the water droplet (WD) and the external pressure (P) acting outside c It describes how ) is working.

[0070] Referring to mathematical equation 1, it can be seen that according to the humidity equation, an increase in humidity (H) leads to an increase in the vapor pressure (P0) of water droplets (WD).

[0071] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0072]

[0073] Referring to Equation 2, according to the Kelvin equation, as the vapor pressure (P0) of the water droplet (WD) increases, the external pressure (P) acting on the water droplet (WD) c It can be seen that ) also increases.

[0074] [Mathematical Formula 2]

[0075] (r: radius of the water droplet, γ: surface tension)

[0076] Referring to Equation 3, the external pressure (P) acting on the water droplet (WD) according to the Yonug-Laplace equation c As ) increases, internal pressure (P') and external pressure (P c P(P' - P) due to the difference of ) c) As the value decreases, it can be seen that the radius (r) of the water droplet increases.

[0077] [Mathematical Formula 3]

[0078] (r: radius of the water droplet, γ: surface tension)

[0079] That is, as humidity increases, the external pressure (P) acting outside the water droplet (WD) due to the vapor pressure (P0) acting on the water droplet (WD) c As the number increases, the size of the droplets (WD) can increase, and the droplets (WD) that have grown larger can penetrate into the fiber-shaped mixture (10) using the unevaporated solvent (20) as a stepping stone due to external pressure applied to the droplets (WD) which is higher than the pressure inside the droplets (WD).

[0080] Referring again to FIG. 4e, when the water droplet (WD) finally evaporates, a hole may be formed in the place where the water droplet (WD) penetrated into the fiber-shaped mixture (10).

[0081] By utilizing the above principle, the pore volume of the fiber can be controlled through simple humidity control during electrospinning according to the user's requirements.

[0082] Consequently, the method for manufacturing a functional fiber according to another embodiment of the present invention may enable controlling the porosity of the surface of the functional fiber by controlling the humidity inside the chamber, and by controlling the porosity of the surface of the functional fiber to increase the total surface area of ​​the functional fiber, the function of an antibacterial or antiviral substance located inside the functional fiber and whose functional expression is suppressed may be activated.

[0083] When a filter is manufactured including functional fibers produced in this way, the functional fibers can have a high specific surface area due to the increase in total surface area, allowing more particles to come into contact with and be filtered out, thereby increasing the efficiency of the filter and enabling the activation of the function of antibacterial or antiviral substances located within the functional fibers whose functional expression is suppressed.

[0084]

[0085] Example 1

[0086] A functional fiber was manufactured by electrospinning a solution mixed with polylactic acid (PLA) and 0.05 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) based on polylactic acid (PLA) in an organic solvent under conditions of 20% humidity.

[0087] Example 2

[0088] It was prepared in the same manner as Example 1, except that the mixed solution was electrospun under 40% humidity conditions.

[0089] Example 3

[0090] It was prepared in the same manner as Example 1, except that the mixed solution was electrospun under 60% humidity conditions.

[0091] Example 4

[0092] A functional fiber was manufactured by electrospinning a solution mixed with polylactic acid (PLA) and 0.5 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) based on polylactic acid (PLA) in an organic solvent under conditions of 20% humidity.

[0093] Example 5

[0094] It was prepared in the same manner as Example 4, except that the mixed solution was electrospun under 40% humidity conditions.

[0095] Example 6

[0096] It was prepared in the same manner as Example 4, except that the mixed solution was electrospun under 60% humidity conditions.

[0097] Example 7

[0098] A functional fiber was manufactured by electrospinning a solution mixed with polylactic acid (PLA) and 5 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) based on polylactic acid (PLA) in an organic solvent under conditions of 20% humidity.

[0099] Example 8

[0100] It was prepared in the same manner as Example 7, except that the mixed solution was electrospun under 40% humidity conditions.

[0101] Example 9

[0102] It was prepared in the same manner as Example 7, except that the mixed solution was electrospun under 60% humidity conditions.

[0103] Comparative Example 1

[0104] A functional fiber was manufactured by electrospinning a solution of an organic solvent and polylactic acid (PLA) under conditions of 20% humidity.

[0105] Comparative Example 2

[0106] It was prepared in the same manner as Comparative Example 1, except that the mixed solution was electrospun under 40% humidity conditions.

[0107] Comparative Example 3

[0108] It was prepared in the same manner as Comparative Example 1, except that the mixed solution was electrospun under conditions of 60% humidity.

[0109]

[0110] Figures 6a to 6d are SEM images of functional fibers according to humidity.

[0111] Referring to Fig. 6a, (a) shows an SEM image of the surface of Comparative Example 1, (b) shows Comparative Example 2, and (c) shows Comparative Example 3. First, it can be seen that Comparative Example 1, prepared under 20% humidity conditions, has almost no pores formed on its surface, and Comparative Example 2, prepared under 40% humidity conditions, has many pores formed on its surface, but compared to Comparative Example 3, prepared under 60% humidity conditions, it can be seen that much more pores were formed on the surface of Comparative Example 3.

[0112] Referring to Fig. 6b, SEM images of the surfaces of Example 1 (a), Example 2 (b), and Example 3 (c) can be seen. First, it can be seen that Example 1, prepared under 20% humidity conditions, has almost no pores formed on its surface, and Example 2, prepared under 40% humidity conditions, has many pores formed on its surface, but compared to Example 3, prepared under 60% humidity conditions, it can be seen that Example 3 has much more pores formed on its surface.

[0113] In addition, in the case of Example 3, zinc oxide (ZnO) was additionally mixed, and it can be seen that fewer pores were formed on the surface compared to Comparative Example 3. That is, it can be seen that the zinc oxide (ZnO) placed inside was positioned on the surface of the functional fiber through the pores.

[0114] Referring to Fig. 6c, SEM images of the surfaces of Example 4 (a), Example 5 (b), and Example 6 (c) can be seen. First, in Example 4, prepared under 20% humidity conditions, almost no pores were formed on the surface, and zinc oxide (ZnO) was found to be located inside the fiber. In Example 5, prepared under 40% humidity conditions, many pores were formed on the surface, but compared to Example 6, prepared under 60% humidity conditions, it can be seen that much more pores were formed on the surface in the case of Example 6.

[0115] In addition, in the case of Examples 5 and 6, it can be seen that zinc oxide (ZnO) placed inside the functional fiber is located on the surface of the functional fiber as pores are created on the surface of the functional fiber.

[0116] Referring to Fig. 6d, SEM images of the surfaces of Example 7 (a), Example 8 (b), and Example 9 (c) can be seen. First, in Example 7, prepared under 20% humidity conditions, almost no pores were formed on the surface, but zinc oxide (ZnO) was found to be present on both the surface and inside the functional fiber. In Example 8, prepared under 40% humidity conditions, many pores were formed on the surface, but compared to Example 9, prepared under 60% humidity conditions, it can be seen that much more pores were formed on the surface in the case of Example 9.

[0117] In addition, in the case of Example 8 and Example 8, it can be seen that zinc oxide (ZnO) placed inside the functional fiber is located on the surface of the functional fiber as pores are created on the surface of the functional fiber.

[0118] As a result, the functional fiber manufactured by the method for manufacturing a functional fiber according to an embodiment of the present invention can control the porosity during the manufacturing process, and by forming uniform pores on the surface of the functional fiber, the functional particles located inside the functional fiber can be located outside the functional fiber, thereby improving antibacterial and antiviral efficiency.

[0119] Figure 7 is a graph showing the results of measuring the total surface area of ​​functional fibers.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 7, the change in total surface area of ​​Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and the change in total surface area of ​​Examples 7 to 9 can be observed.

[0121] 0.205m in Comparative Example 1 2 The total surface area of ​​the functional fiber in / g gradually increased, reaching 3.571m in Comparative Example 2. 2It becomes / g, and 32.538m in Comparative Example 3 2 It can be confirmed that it increased significantly to / g. Similarly, in Example 7, 0.173m 2 The total surface area of ​​the functional fibers in / g gradually increased, reaching 1.901m² in Example 8. 2 It becomes / g, and 29.427m in Example 9 2 It can be confirmed that it has increased significantly to / g.

[0122] In other words, it can be confirmed that the total surface area of ​​the functional fiber can be significantly increased when the humidity is increased from 40% to 60%. In addition, it can be confirmed that even if the functional fiber is manufactured by mixing in the functional particle zinc oxide (ZnO), the total surface area of ​​the functional fiber can be easily controlled and increased by controlling the humidity when manufactured using the method for manufacturing the functional fiber according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Figures 8a to 8d are SEM-EDS measurement results analyzing the surface exposure of functional particles according to content.

[0124] Referring to Figure 8a, it shows the EDS analysis of each element C, O, and Zn of a functional fiber containing 0 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles.

[0125] (a) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results obtained by magnifying the surface of Comparative Example 1, prepared at 20% humidity, by 100,000 times, (b) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results obtained by magnifying the surface of Comparative Example 2, prepared at 40% humidity, by 100,000 times, and (c) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results obtained by magnifying the surface of Comparative Example 3, prepared at 60% humidity, by 100,000 times.

[0126] Meanwhile, the average content (%) of Zn was calculated after measuring each of samples (a), (b), and (c) 10 times. At this time, the average content of Zn exposed on the surface for all of (a), (b), and (c) is 0%.

[0127] Referring to Figure 8b, the EDS analysis of the elements C, O, and Zn of a functional fiber containing 0.05 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is shown.

[0128] (a) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results obtained by magnifying the surface of Example 1 prepared at 20% humidity by 100,000 times, (b) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results obtained by magnifying the surface of Example 2 prepared at 40% humidity by 100,000 times, and (c) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results obtained by magnifying the surface of Example 3 prepared at 60% humidity by 100,000 times.

[0129] Meanwhile, the average content (%) of Zn was calculated after measuring each of samples (a), (b), and (c) 10 times. At this time, it was confirmed that the average content of Zn exposed on the surface of (a) was 0%, (b) was 6%, and (c) was 9.43%.

[0130] Through these results, it can be confirmed that the higher the humidity is controlled during manufacturing, the more functional particles are exposed from the surface of the functional fiber to the outside. In other words, as humidity is controlled higher during manufacturing, the polarity of the functional fiber surface increases, thereby expanding the total surface area and consequently exposing the functional particles placed inside to the outside from the surface of the functional fiber.

[0131] Referring to Fig. 8c, the EDS analysis of the elements C, O, and Zn of a functional fiber containing 0.5 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is shown.

[0132] (a) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results of the surface of Example 4 prepared at 20% humidity and magnified 100,000 times, (b) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results of the surface of Example 5 prepared at 40% humidity and magnified 100,000 times, and (c) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results of the surface of Example 6 prepared at 60% humidity and magnified 100,000 times.

[0133] Meanwhile, the average content (%) of Zn was calculated after measuring each of samples (a), (b), and (c) 10 times. At this time, it was confirmed that the average content of Zn exposed on the surface of (a) was 7.49%, (b) was 10.06%, and (c) was 16.58%.

[0134] Through these results, it can be confirmed that the higher the humidity is controlled during manufacturing, the more functional particles are exposed from the surface of the functional fiber to the outside. In other words, as humidity is controlled higher during manufacturing, the polarity of the functional fiber surface increases, thereby expanding the total surface area and consequently exposing the functional particles placed inside to the outside from the surface of the functional fiber.

[0135] Referring to Fig. 8d, the EDS analysis of each element C, O, and Zn of a functional fiber containing 5 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is shown.

[0136] (a) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results of the surface of Example 7 prepared at 20% humidity and magnified 100,000 times, (b) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results of the surface of Example 8 prepared at 40% humidity and magnified 100,000 times, and (c) shows the SEM-EDS measurement results of the surface of Example 9 prepared at 60% humidity and magnified 100,000 times.

[0137] Meanwhile, the average content (%) of Zn was calculated after measuring each of samples (a), (b), and (c) 10 times. At this time, it was confirmed that the average content of Zn exposed on the surface of (a) was 19.08%, (b) was 19.96%, and (c) was 23.63%.

[0138] Through these results, it can be confirmed that the higher the humidity is controlled during manufacturing, the more functional particles are exposed from the surface of the functional fiber to the outside. In other words, as humidity is controlled higher during manufacturing, the polarity of the functional fiber surface increases, thereby expanding the total surface area and consequently exposing the functional particles placed inside to the outside from the surface of the functional fiber.

[0139] In addition, it can be seen that when functional fibers contain a larger amount of functional particles, the functional particles exposed to the outside from the surface of the functional fiber increase.

[0140] Consequently, increasing humidity during the manufacturing of functional fibers can significantly increase the total surface area of ​​the functional fibers, and due to this increase in total surface area, functional particles located inside the functional fibers can be exposed more from the surface to the outside, thereby increasing the antibacterial and antiviral efficiency of the functional fibers.

[0141]

[0142] Evaluation Example 1

[0143] The antibacterial test was conducted using the antibacterial test method for textile materials specified in KS K 0693.

[0144] A bacterial or viral solution (1 x 10⁵ bacteria / mL) was prepared, applied to a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9, and then dried. Subsequently, the dried filter was placed in distilled water and shaken with a thermo shaker for 15 minutes to dilute it. Then, the diluted distilled water was applied to a bacterial culture medium (Agar plate) and incubated in an incubator for 24 hours to conduct an antibacterial test. The test was performed by adjusting the contact time between the bacterial or viral solution and the filter to 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 18 hours, respectively.

[0145] Evaluation Example 2

[0146] A bacterial or viral solution (1 x 10⁵ bacteria / mL) was prepared, applied to a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1, and then dried. Afterward, the dried filter was placed in distilled water and shaken with a thermo shaker for 15 minutes, then diluted. The diluted distilled water was then subjected to an antibacterial test using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The test was conducted by adjusting the contact time between the bacterial or viral solution and the filter to 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 18 hours, respectively.

[0147] Evaluation Example 3

[0148] An antibacterial test was conducted by generating a bacterial or viral solution (1 x 10⁵ bacteria / mL) in aerosol form and flowing it through a 2 cm x 2 cm duct equipped with a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9. At this time, the flow rate of the aerosolized bacterial or viral solution flowing through the duct was set to 5.3 cm / s (1.27 LPM), which is the same as the flow rate received by one side of a HEPA filter used in an air purifier, to ensure contact with the filter. Subsequently, the filter was placed in distilled water and shaken with a thermo shaker for 15 minutes, then diluted. The antibacterial test was performed by applying this diluted distilled water onto a bacterial culture medium (Agar plate) and incubating it in an incubator for 24 hours. The test was conducted by adjusting the contact time between the bacterial or viral solution and the filter to 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 18 hours, respectively.

[0149] Evaluation Example 4

[0150] An antibacterial test was conducted by generating a bacterial or viral solution (1 x 10⁵ bacteria / mL) in aerosol form and flowing it through a 2 cm x 2 cm duct equipped with a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9. At this time, the flow rate of the aerosolized bacterial or viral solution flowing through the duct was set to 5.3 cm / s (1.27 LPM), which is the same as the flow rate received by one side of a HEPA filter used in an air purifier, to ensure contact with the filter. Subsequently, the filter was placed in distilled water and shaken with a thermo shaker for 15 minutes, after which it was diluted. The antibacterial test was then performed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method on the diluted distilled water. The test was conducted by adjusting the contact time between the bacterial or viral solution and the filter to 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 18 hours, respectively.

[0151] FIGS. 9a to 9c illustrate the results of antimicrobial activity tests against S. aureus bacteria conducted in Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 9a, the antibacterial activity graph of the filter can be seen after contact with a S. aureus bacteria solution to a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0153] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antibacterial activity of the filter against S. aureus bacteria increases as the ZnO content increases, in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antibacterial activity increases as the humidity increases, in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antibacterial ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antibacterial activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0154] Referring to Fig. 9b, the number of colony forming units (CFU) according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen in photographs after contacting a S. aureus bacteria solution with a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 for (a) 30 minutes, (b) 1 hour, (c) 3 hours, (d) 6 hours, and (e) 18 hours.

[0155] Referring to the photographs, the antibacterial activity of filters made from functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 is shown in the order of the photograph numbers. In case (a), it can be seen that the number of colonies generated decreases as one moves from Example 1 to Example 3. This confirms that antibacterial ability improves when the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases through humidity control during manufacturing. Additionally, when comparing Examples 3, 5, and 9, which were produced under the same humidity conditions but have different ZnO contents, it can be seen that Example 9, containing 5% ZnO, generates a much smaller number of colonies compared to Examples 3 and 5, which have ZnO contents of 0.05% and 0.5%, respectively. This confirms that antibacterial ability improves as the ZnO content increases.

[0156] Meanwhile, when comparing the degree of colony formation in (a) to (e) according to the contact time with the functional fiber, it can be confirmed that the antibacterial ability improves as the contact time increases.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 9c, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antibacterial activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contacting a S. aureus bacteria solution with filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0158] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) tIt can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content is high and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more genes of S. aureus bacteria are destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0159] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that the filter made of functional fibers destroys the genes of S. aureus bacteria, and by calculating the antibacterial activity using the PCR test values, the antibacterial activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antibacterial activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0160] FIGS. 10a to 10c illustrate the results of antimicrobial activity tests against E. coli bacteria conducted in Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 10a, the antibacterial activity graph of the filter can be seen after contact with an E. coli bacteria solution to a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0162] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antibacterial activity of the filter against E. coli bacteria increases as the ZnO content increases, in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antibacterial activity increases as the humidity increases, in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antibacterial ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antibacterial activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0163] Referring to Fig. 10b, the number of colony forming units (CFU) according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen in photographs after contacting an E. coli bacteria solution with a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 for (a) 30 minutes, (b) 1 hour, (c) 3 hours, (d) 6 hours, and (e) 18 hours.

[0164] Referring to the photographs, the antibacterial activity of filters made from functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 is shown in the order of the photograph numbers. In case (a), it can be seen that the number of colonies generated decreases as one moves from Example 1 to Example 3. This confirms that antibacterial ability improves when the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases through humidity control during manufacturing. Additionally, when comparing Examples 3, 5, and 9, which were produced under the same humidity conditions but have different ZnO contents, it can be seen that Example 9, containing 5% ZnO, generates a much smaller number of colonies compared to Examples 3 and 5, which have ZnO contents of 0.05% and 0.5%, respectively. This confirms that antibacterial ability improves as the ZnO content increases.

[0165] Meanwhile, when comparing the degree of colony formation in (a) to (e) according to the contact time with the functional fiber, it can be confirmed that the antibacterial ability improves as the contact time increases.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 10c, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antibacterial activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contacting E. coli bacteria solutions with filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0167] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content is high and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more of the E. coli gene is destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs only when the replication cycle is repeated more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0168] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that a filter made of functional fibers destroys even the genes of E. coli bacteria, and by calculating the antibacterial activity using the PCR test value, the antibacterial activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antibacterial activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0169] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the MS2 virus conducted as Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 11a, the antiviral activity graph of the filter can be observed after contact with the MS2 virus solution to the filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0171] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antiviral activity of the filter against the MS2 virus increases as the ZnO content increases in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antiviral activity increases as the humidity increases in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antiviral ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antiviral activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 11b, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antiviral activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contact with MS2 virus solution to filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0173] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) valuet It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content is high and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more of the MS2 virus gene is destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0174] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that the filter made of functional fibers destroys the gene of the MS2 virus, and by calculating the antiviral activity using the PCR test value, the antiviral activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antiviral activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0175] FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the H1N1 virus conducted as Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 12a, the antiviral activity graph of the filter can be observed after contact with an H1N1 virus solution to a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0177] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antiviral activity of the filter against the H1N1 virus increases as the ZnO content increases in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antiviral activity increases as the humidity increases in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antiviral ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was previously located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antiviral activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 12b, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antiviral activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contact with an H1N1 virus solution to filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0179] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) tIt can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content is high and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more of the H1N1 virus gene is destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0180] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that a filter made of functional fibers destroys even the gene of the H1N1 virus, and by calculating the antiviral activity using the PCR test value, the antiviral activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antiviral activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0181] FIGS. 13a and FIGS. 13b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the Corona229E virus conducted as Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 13a, the antiviral activity graph of the filter can be seen after contact with the Corona229E virus solution to the filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0183] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antiviral activity of the filter against the Corona229E virus increases as the ZnO content increases, in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antiviral activity increases as the humidity increases, in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antiviral ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was previously located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antiviral activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 13b, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antiviral activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contact with Corona229E virus solution to filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0185] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) tIt can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content increases and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more of the gene of the Corona229E virus is destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0186] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that a filter made of functional fibers destroys even the gene of the Corona229E virus, and by calculating the antiviral activity using the PCR test value, the antiviral activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antiviral activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0187] FIGS. 14a to 14c illustrate the results of antimicrobial activity tests against S. aureus bacteria conducted in Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 14a, the antibacterial activity graph of the filter can be seen after contacting aerosolized S. aureus bacteria with the filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) for 30 minutes, (b) for 1 hour, (c) for 3 hours, (d) for 6 hours, and (e) for 18 hours.

[0189] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antibacterial activity of the filter against S. aureus bacteria increases as the ZnO content increases, in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antibacterial activity increases as the humidity increases, in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antibacterial ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antibacterial activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 14b, the number of colony forming units (CFU) according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen in photographs after aerosolized S. aureus bacteria are contacted with filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 at (a) 30 minutes, (b) 1 hour, (c) 3 hours, (d) 6 hours, and (e) 18 hours.

[0191] Referring to the photographs, the antibacterial activity of filters made from functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 is shown in the order of the photograph numbers. In case (a), it can be seen that the number of colonies generated decreases as one moves from Example 1 to Example 3. This confirms that antibacterial ability improves when the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases through humidity control during manufacturing. Additionally, when comparing Examples 3, 5, and 9, which were produced under the same humidity conditions but have different ZnO contents, it can be seen that Example 9, containing 5% ZnO, generates a much smaller number of colonies compared to Examples 3 and 5, which have ZnO contents of 0.05% and 0.5%, respectively. This confirms that antibacterial ability improves as the ZnO content increases.

[0192] Meanwhile, when comparing the degree of colony formation in (a) to (e) according to the contact time with the functional fiber, it can be confirmed that the antibacterial ability improves as the contact time increases.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 14c, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antibacterial activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contacting aerosolized S. aureus bacteria with filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0194] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content is high and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more genes of S. aureus bacteria are destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0195] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that the filter made of functional fibers destroys the genes of S. aureus bacteria, and by calculating the antibacterial activity using the PCR test values, the antibacterial activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antibacterial activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0196] FIGS. 15a to 15c illustrate the results of antimicrobial activity tests against E. coli bacteria conducted in Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 15a, the antibacterial activity graph of the filter can be seen after contacting aerosolized E. coli bacteria with the filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) for 30 minutes, (b) for 1 hour, (c) for 3 hours, (d) for 6 hours, and (e) for 18 hours.

[0198] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antibacterial activity of the filter against E. coli bacteria increases as the ZnO content increases, in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antibacterial activity increases as the humidity increases, in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antibacterial ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antibacterial activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 15b, the number of colony forming units (CFU) according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen in photographs after aerosolized E. coli bacteria are contacted with a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 for (a) 30 minutes, (b) 1 hour, (c) 3 hours, (d) 6 hours, and (e) 18 hours.

[0200] Referring to the photographs, the antibacterial activity of filters made from functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 is shown in the order of the photograph numbers. In case (a), it can be seen that the number of colonies generated decreases as one moves from Example 1 to Example 3. This confirms that antibacterial ability improves when the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases through humidity control during manufacturing. Additionally, when comparing Examples 3, 5, and 9, which were produced under the same humidity conditions but have different ZnO contents, it can be seen that Example 9, containing 5% ZnO, generates a much smaller number of colonies compared to Examples 3 and 5, which have ZnO contents of 0.05% and 0.5%, respectively. This confirms that antibacterial ability improves as the ZnO content increases.

[0201] Meanwhile, when comparing the degree of colony formation in (a) to (e) according to the contact time with the functional fiber, it can be confirmed that the antibacterial ability improves as the contact time increases.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 15c, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antibacterial activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contacting aerosolized E. coli bacteria with filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0203] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) tIt can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content is high and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more genes of S. aureus bacteria are destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0204] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that a filter made of functional fibers destroys even the genes of E. coli bacteria, and by calculating the antibacterial activity using the PCR test value, the antibacterial activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antibacterial activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0205] FIGS. 16a and 16b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the MS2 virus conducted in Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0206] Referring to Fig. 16a, the antiviral activity graph of the filter can be observed after contact with aerosolized MS2 virus on a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0207] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antiviral activity of the filter against the MS2 virus increases as the ZnO content increases in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antiviral activity increases as the humidity increases in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antiviral ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antiviral activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 16b, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antiviral activity of the filter according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contacting the aerosolized MS2 virus with the filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0209] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) tIt can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content is high and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more of the MS2 virus gene is destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0210] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that the filter made of functional fibers destroys the gene of the MS2 virus, and by calculating the antiviral activity using the PCR test value, the antiviral activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antiviral activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0211] FIGS. 17a and 17b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the H1N1 virus conducted in Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0212] Referring to Fig. 17a, the antiviral activity graph of the filter can be observed after contact with aerosolized H1N1 virus on a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0213] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antiviral activity of the filter against the H1N1 virus increases as the ZnO content increases in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antiviral activity increases as the humidity increases in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antiviral ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was previously located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antiviral activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 17b, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antiviral activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contacting aerosolized H1N1 viruses with filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0215] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) tIt can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content is high and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more of the H1N1 virus gene is destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0216] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that a filter made of functional fibers destroys even the gene of the H1N1 virus, and by calculating the antiviral activity using the PCR test value, the antiviral activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antiviral activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0217] FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate the results of antiviral activity tests against the Corona229E virus conducted as Evaluation Example 3 and Evaluation Example 4.

[0218] Referring to Fig. 18a, the antiviral activity graph of the filter can be observed after contact with aerosolized Corona229E virus on a filter made of the functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0219] Referring to the graph, it can be observed that the antiviral activity of the filter against the Corona229E virus increases as the ZnO content increases, in the order of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%. Additionally, depending on the humidity applied during the manufacturing of the functional fiber, it can be seen that the antiviral activity increases as the humidity increases, in the order of 20%, 40%, and 60%. In other words, for functional fibers with an increased total surface area due to high humidity control during manufacturing, the antiviral ability is enhanced because the ZnO, which was previously located inside, is positioned on the surface of the functional fiber due to the increased surface area. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the antiviral activity increases as the contact time with the filter made of the functional fiber increases.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 18b, a graph showing the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) results for the antiviral activity of filters according to humidity and ZnO concentration can be seen after contacting aerosolized Corona229E viruses with filters made of functional fibers of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 (a) after 30 minutes, (b) after 1 hour, (c) after 3 hours, (d) after 6 hours, and (e) after 18 hours.

[0221] In the case of (a) to (e), C of Comparative Example 1, which does not contain ZnO in all of Examples 1 to 9 t Increased C compared to the (Cycle threshold value) value t It can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs at the value, and in the case of Example 9, which contains 5% ZnO and has a humidity of 60% during preparation, the largest C in all of (a) to (e) tIt can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs in the values. That is, as the ZnO content increases and the surface area of ​​the functional fiber increases due to humidity control during manufacturing, more of the gene of the Corona229E virus is destroyed, and it can be confirmed that gene amplification occurs by repeating the replication cycle more times than in Examples 1 to 8.

[0222] Meanwhile, through PCR testing, it can be confirmed that a filter made of functional fibers destroys even the gene of the Corona229E virus, and by calculating the antiviral activity using the PCR test value, the antiviral activity can be measured within 2 hours, making it possible to measure antiviral activity quickly and efficiently compared to the CFU method, which takes more than 24 hours.

[0223] Consequently, the functional fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention has pores formed on its surface, thereby positioning antibacterial and antiviral substances present inside the fiber onto the fiber surface, which can improve antibacterial and antiviral efficiency and enhance the antibacterial and antiviral capabilities of the filter manufactured therefrom. Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a functional fiber according to another embodiment of the present invention allows for easy control of the porosity on the surface of the functional fiber through humidity control, thereby increasing the total surface area of ​​the functional fiber and positioning antibacterial and antiviral substances present inside the functional fiber onto the fiber surface, which can enhance antibacterial and antiviral capabilities.

[0224] As such, the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. As a functional fiber containing functional particles, The above functional fiber is, porous polymer fibers; and It comprises at least functional particles distributed within the porous polymer fibers, and The above functional particles are included in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% based on the total functional fiber, and The above functional particles are functional fibers exposed to the outside from the surface of the porous polymer fibers.

2. In Paragraph 1, The surface area of ​​the porous polymer fiber on which the above functional particles are located is 0.205 m² 2 / g to 29.427 m 2 Functional fiber in / g.

3. In Paragraph 1, The porous polymer fiber comprises one or more selected from polymethyl metharylate (PMMA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polylactic acid (PLA). The functional particle is a functional fiber comprising one or more selected from copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and manganese (Mn).

4. A step of preparing a mixture containing functional particles; A step of loading the above mixture into an electrospinning device located inside a chamber; A step of controlling the humidity inside the chamber; and The method includes the step of manufacturing a functional fiber by electrospinning the above mixture, The above functional fiber comprises a porous polymer fiber and the functional particles dispersed within the porous polymer fiber, and A method for manufacturing a functional fiber in which the surface pores of the porous polymer fiber are controlled by controlling the humidity.

5. In Paragraph 4, In the above step of controlling humidity, the humidity is controlled by a humidification device, and The above humidification device is a method for manufacturing functional fibers, comprising a humidifier.

6. In Paragraph 4, A method for manufacturing functional fibers, wherein in the step of controlling the humidity, the humidity inside the chamber is 20% to 60%.

7. In Paragraph 6, A method for manufacturing a functional fiber in which the surface porosity of the functional fiber increases as the humidity inside the chamber increases.

8. In Paragraph 4, The above functional particles are included in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 5 wt% based on the total mixture, and The porous polymer fiber comprises one or more selected from polymethyl metharylate (PMMA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polylactic acid (PLA). A method for manufacturing a functional fiber, wherein the functional particles include one or more selected from copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and manganese (Mn).

9. In Paragraph 4, A method for manufacturing a functional fiber in which the above functional particles are exposed to the outside at least on the surface of the porous polymer fiber.

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