The effects of QAC-silane antimicrobial agents on the physical, mechanical, and thermophysiological properties of novel elastomeric fabrics for burn pressure garments

Abstract

In this study, novel nylon/spandex elastomeric burn pressure garments were developed with a durable antimicrobial performance using silane and quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC's). A series of physical, mechanical and thermophysiological properties were tested before and after the application of the antimicrobial finish, including air permeability, stiffness, drapeability, bursting strength and extensibility, thermal resistance (Rct) and thermal insulation (in clo units). Antimicrobial tests were performed after 50 washing cycles using AATCC 100 Test Method, and they showed a 99% reduction in bacterial activity for those fabrics treated with the QAC-Silane antimicrobial agents. Physical, mechanical and thermophysiological properties were tested after antimicrobial treatments. A small significant increase was observed in terms of thermal resistance (Rct) (Tog) and isolation (It) (clo) properties for treated fabrics samples. The air permeability, bursting strength and drapeability showed a small significant decrease after antimicrobial finishing, while the elastomeric fabric showed a small but significant increase for fabric stiffness. These results confirm that when these novel pressure garments are used by burn patients, they will not only decrease the incidence of infection but will also provide comfort during prolonged use.