Study of the possibility of obtaining viscose fibre with biologically active properties by a continuous method

Abstract

The effect of the composition of the polymer composite (type of polyhexamethyleneguanidine (PHMG) salt, content of components) on the structure of the composite formed and level of desorption of the biologically active substance (BAS) was established as a result of studying the kinetics of desorption of BAS from viscose fibres containing PHMG salt and polyalkylene oxide. The possibility of obtaining viscose fibres containing a biologically active substance of the polymer type with a continuous process scheme was demonstrated.Developments aimed at giving fibre materials biological properties have now been extremely intensified, and this concerns not only medical materials but also so-called hygienic textiles. However, the prolonged use of such items for daily wear can have negative consequences, since the low selectivity of the antimicrobials kills all microflora on the skin, which, despite expectations, not only does not reduce the probability of disease, but also negatively affects the immune reactivity of the human body. At the same time, the necessity of developing process methods for manufacturing new types of biologically active fibre materials is obvious due to the demand for them in different sectors (medical articles, filters, etc.).Fibre materials with biological activity resistant to laundering are usually manufactured by chemical addition of the active component to the fibre matrix, conducting the process in one or two stages. In the first case, simultaneous treatment with the biologically active substance (BAS) and modifying reagent is conducted, while in the second case, the matrix is modified first, and then the BAS is added [1]. The drawbacks of both methods include incorporation of the modifier in the matrix, which increases the toxicity of the material in some cases, and can also change the physicomechanical properties of the fibre material, which can be reflected in its consumer properties (feel, color).Methods based on including BAS in the structure of the fibre during spinning or subsequent finishing have been examined in recent years as a promising method of obtaining large-tonnage chemical fibres with biologically active properties [2]. To incorporate the biologically active substance in the spinning solution, it must satisfy a number of requirements related to the spinning conditions, and this limits the list of BAS that can be used [2]. For this reason, the second method is preferred.Of the antimicrobials that can be used to give fibres special properties, biologically active polymers are of great interest. Use of a biopolymer chitosan to give fibre materials biological stability by impregnation and precipitation [3,4] or by adding to a bifunctional compound [4] is well known. However, the poor solubility of chitosan, high viscosity of the solutions, increased rigidity of the materials, and the narrow spectrum of the bacteriostatic action do not allow considering it an effective BAS. Restricted use (not in sufficient doses) for radiation sterilization the most suitable method for this type...

Modified polymeric materials, some fundamental and applied aspects

“…The desorption rate of a polycationic antimicrobial agent can be controlled by changing its degree of ionization. Fibers containing a biologically active composite layer could be prepared by a continuous process [16]. Another group of polymers developed for medical use comprises films based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).…”