Moisture management and antimicrobial performance of collagen peptide enriched knitted fabrics

Abstract

Knitted fabrics made of natural, synthetic and regenerated fibres are presented to the final consumers at different fabric constructions. Reason to select different fibre types, fibre blends, and knitting constructions utilisation is to optimize consumer demands of comfort, functionality, fashion and price. Continuous fibre improving studies are one driving factor behind the fabric and clothing design possibilities. Collagen peptide added fibres are one recent fibre type in the regenerated cellulosic fibre family. Collagen peptide addition to the regenerated cellulosic fibre has been reported to improve fibre properties of moisture management, thermoregulation, anti-static, ultraviolet protection, biodegradable properties which make the fibre preferable material for active wear clothes. This study involves with the influence of new fibre type addition on moisture management, antimicrobial, and air permeability properties of the plated knitted fabric structures. Within this work; one plain knitted fabric is knitted using 100% collagen peptide added regenerated cellulosic yarn and polyamide yarn grounded six different plated knitted fabrics were studied. Moisture management transport (MMT) properties, antimicrobial properties (against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans) and air permeability properties of those knitted samples were evaluated comparatively. Gathered results are statistically evaluated using one-way Anova test; it was determined that there was a significant difference on MMT and air permeability properties of knitted samples at significance level of 0.05. Additionally, presence of collagen peptide added fibre exhibits considerable level of antimicrobial effect against included microorganisms. The results of the experimental work represent an initial phase towards a better understanding of the influence of different fibre blended yarn utilization on plated knitted fabrics which would be appropriate for active wear cloth manufacturing.