Articles with Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity

Abstract

The present invention relates to articles with antibacterial and antifungal activity, comprising zinc sulphide. The yarns, fibres, filaments and articles according to the present invention may be used especially in the manufacture of any product liable to be placed in contact with bacteria and/or fungi, for instance clothing, rugs, curtains, bedclothes and medical textile materials. The present invention also relates to the use of zinc sulphide for manufacturing yarns, fibres, filaments and/or articles with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method of making yarns with antibacterial and antifungal properties comprising: mixing zinc sulphide particles which do not comprise a mineral coating with a polymer matrix to form a composition, said zinc sulphide particles being included in an amount sufficient to provide antibacterial and antifungal properties to the yarns. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising the step of spinning the composition. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising: a) placing the polymer matrix in contact with zinc sulphide particles and/or a concentrated composition based on the polymer matrix comprising the zinc sulphide particles; and b) spinning the mixture obtained in a) so as to obtain the yarns. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the zinc sulphide particles are added to the polymer matrix in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the zinc sulphide particles are added to the polymer matrix in an amount of about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the polymer matrix is a thermoplastic matrix. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the thermoplastic matrix comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer and wherein the at least one thermoplastic polymer comprises polyamides. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the thermoplastic polymer is PET, PBT, PTT, polypropylene or polyethylene. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the polyamide is polyamide 6,6. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the zinc sulphide particles have a diameter of less than or equal to 5 μm. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the polymer matrix in a) is in melt form.