Evaluation of antibacterial properties of PTFE film composite terry cloth fabric

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) film composite terry cloth fabric is widely used in a variety of fields due to its excellent waterproof, breathable and durability, including medical, sportswear and household products. However, its antibacterial properties are crucial for certain special uses, such as medical protection or sanitary products. The following are methods and steps on how to evaluate the antibacterial properties of PTFE membrane composite terry cloth fabrics.

1. The importance of antibacterial properties

Health and Health: Antibacterial properties can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, and reduce the risk of odor, mold and infection caused by bacterial growth.
Extend service life: By inhibiting microbial erosion, the durability and service life of the material can be improved.
Special application scenario requirements: Antibacterial performance is an indispensable requirement in medical, food processing and other industries.

2. Antibacterial performance evaluation method

1. Standard Test Methods

At present, the commonly used antibacterial performance testing standards in the international community include the following:

ISO 20743:2013 – Method for determining antibacterial activity of textiles (absorption method)
JIS L 1902:2018 – Test methods for antibacterial properties of textiles
AATCC 100 – Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Textiles
ASTM E2149-21 – Standard test method for antibacterial activity of antibacterial agents under dynamic contact conditions

These standards usually use quantitative or qualitative methods to evaluate the inhibitory ability of a material to a specific bacteria or fungus.

2. Testing process

(1) Sample Preparation

Prepare sample of PTFE film composite terry cloth fabric of a certain size.
Ensure that the sample surface is clean and avoid external contamination.

(2) Select the test strain

Select test bacteria according to actual application needs. Common test bacteria include:

Gram-positive bacteria: such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus)
Gram-negative bacteria: such as Escherichia coli
Fungi: such as Candida albicans

(3) Inoculation and culture

Inoculate the test bacterial strain onto the surface of the sample.
Incubation is carried out at specified temperature and humidity conditions (usually 37°C, 24 hours).

(4) Results Analysis

Compare the changes in colony count before and after sample treatment.
Calculate the antibacterial rate (%), and the formula is as follows:
[
Antibacterial rate = frac{N_0 – N_t}{N_0} times 100%
]
Among them:
- (N_0): initial colony number on untreated samples;
- (N_t): The number of remaining colonies on the sample after treatment.

(5) Determination criteria

Anti-bacterial rate ≥90%: It is considered to have good antibacterial properties.
Anti-bacterial rate ≥99%: It is considered to have excellent antibacterial properties.

3. Factors affecting antibacterial performance

Properties of PTFE film
- PTFE membrane itself does not have natural antibacterial properties, but its hydrophobicity and low surface energy can reduce bacterial adhesion.
- If antibacterial agents (such as silver ions, zinc ions or quaternary ammonium salt compounds) are added to the composite layer, the antibacterial effect can be significantly improved.
Composite Process
- Whether antibacterial agents are distributed evenly during the compounding process.
- Whether the physical structure of the PTFE film is destroyed.
Environmental Conditions
- Factors such as temperature, humidity and light will affect the performance of antibacterial properties.
Frequency of use and cleaning methods
- Frequent cleaning may reduce the effectiveness of antibacterial agents.

IV. Improvement suggestions

Add antibacterial coating
- Coat the surface of the PTFE film with an antibacterial function, such as nanosilver, zinc oxide or organic antibacterial agent.
- Ensure that the coating is firmly bonded to the PTFE film and does not fall off easily.
Optimize composite process
- Use advanced composite technologies such as hot pressing composite or vacuum coating to ensure even distribution of antibacterial agents.
Regular Testing
- Conduct regular antibacterial performance testing of the finished product to ensure that it meets relevant standards.
User Education
- Providing correct use and cleaning guidelines to extend the antibacterial effect of the product.

V. Conclusion

The antibacterial properties of PTFE membrane composite terry cloth fabrics can be evaluated through scientific testing methods and improved according to specific needs. Although the PTFE membrane itself does not have natural antibacterial properties, its antibacterial ability can be significantly improved by adding antibacterial agents or optimizing the composite process. In practical applications, the antibacterial properties, durability and environmental protection of the materials should be comprehensively considered to meet the needs of different scenarios.

If you need to further discuss specific testing plans or improvement suggestions, please feel free to submit them!

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