Fibers with improving anti-microbial performance

Abstract

Fibers and fabrics with improved anti-microbial activity in after laundering, and a method of producing the same, are described. One embodiment includes a method for generating a synthetic fiber, the method comprising creating a mixture, the mixture comprising a polymer, an anti-microbial agent, and a dispersion liquid, and extruding the mixture to form a synthetic fiber.

1 .- 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A synthetic fiber comprising:
 a polymer;   an anti-microbial agent; and   a dispersion liquid, wherein the dispersion liquid is embedded in the fiber.   
     
     
         18 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17 , wherein the anti-microbial agent comprises silver and/or copper and/or zinc and/or gold in metallic form, salt form or ionic form. 
     
     
         19 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17 , wherein the dispersion liquid is selected from the group consisting of an anti-stat, an anionic anti-stat oil, a phosphate ester, a wax, and a vegetable oil. 
     
     
         20 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17 , wherein the fiber is from 0.5 to 20 denier. 
     
     
         21 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17  wherein the fiber is 1.0 to 3.0 denier. 
     
     
         22 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17 , wherein a tenacity of the fiber is greater than 4 grams per denier. 
     
     
         23 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17 , wherein the fiber is at least a portion of an air jet spun yarn. 
     
     
         24 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17 , wherein the fiber is at least a portion of a sheet, pillow case, privacy curtain, isolation gown, medical scrubs, doctor coat, or blanket. 
     
     
         25 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17  further comprising cellulosic fibers. 
     
     
         26 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 17  further comprising a metallic anti-microbial coating. 
     
     
         27 . The synthetic fiber of  claim 26  wherein the metallic anti-microbial coating comprises:
 a solution containing copper, silver, gold or zinc; and 
 a binder. 
 
     
     
         28 . A synthetic fiber comprising:
 a polymer;   an anti-microbial agent; and   a dispersion additive, wherein the fiber was infused with the dispersion additive prior to formation of the fiber.