TEXTILE TECH AGAINST COVID-19

This pandemic we are going through, a situation never before experienced, unprecedented, where every day a new discovery is born about this virus, is forcing us to investigate different ways and methods to try to stop infections and try not to infect.

The textile industry has been one of the most affected by this health crisis. The closing of stores for months has been reflected in the drop in sales. Only online stores have been able to keep their sales stable despite delays in shipments. Now that physical spaces are beginning to reopen, security measures make the sale and work of employees in this sector very complicated; Continuous waiting lines to keep the distances in the spaces, the capacity control, the continuous disinfection of the garments ... suppose an added effort for the sale and a great deterioration of the garments. Studies have stated that this virus can remain in a tissue for between six and twelve hours. For this reason, and since this virus will unfortunately accompany us indefinitely, studies on textile innovations have been accelerated to try to fight Covid-19.

Before the arrival of coronavirus, there was already an antibacterial material made with a mixture of chitosan and viscose that is currently used in the medical industry, Craybon, which could easily be transferred to clothing manufacturing after this situation experienced months ago.

Studies are also underway to create better antimicrobial and antiviral textiles, such as applying antiviral components to cotton or applying antibacterial chemicals to polymer composite fabrics. Along these lines, Cornell University is studying 3D textile structures to optimize the transfer of humidity and heat in order to make the fabrics more breathable. It is also using nanofibers to capture and break down chemical or biological threats. One of the key objectives of the research team is to develop an alert that indicates whether the material is infected with the virus. For this they use nanotechnology that, through the change of color of the garment, would indicate if you are infected.

In Spain, different investigations are also being carried out. This is the case of the company NOB166, certifies that its antimicrobial solution maintains textile protection for 7 days against coronavirus and other microorganisms. His team of researchers has patented an active ingredient encapsulated in nanotechnology that, when mixed with a detergent or a normal softener, becomes an antimicrobial protector. Clinical tests carried out under the EN 14476 Standard of the Ministry of Health, show that NOB166® achieves a reduction of 5.13 logarithmic units (> 4) in the growth of the coronavirus. This means that its function is to create a protective layer on clothing after washing so that any microorganism that adheres to the fabric does not multiply.

On the other hand, a Mallorcan company specialized in textile furniture and decoration has also created, together with a national manufacturer, a textile finish that is one hundred percent effective in Common Flu and Coronavirus and that is endorsed by ISO 18.184, on the determination of the antiviral activity of textile products. Decoraciones EGEA affirms that this textile finish reduces and prevents the colonization and proliferation of viruses, bacteria, mold, algae and mites that cause odors and spread diseases. In addition to this, this anti-virus finish complies with the OEKO-TEX regulations, the world's leading eco-label for textile products, making it environmentally friendly.

Once again, we discover the importance of betting on research and R&D. In our era, the development of technology is a merit that we have, so we must support it. The application of technology, also in the textile industry, can solve many problems and help us combat many others, making our lives easier.

#fashion #fashiontech #covid19 #fashionblog