In this work, an in situ study is presented of the impact of textile materials used in healthcare facilities on microbial colonization of textile surfaces. The available literature describes antimicrobial active textiles and their effectiveness in laboratory conditions. However, the quantification of the impact on the microbiome of healthcare facilities has not been investigated so far. Polypropylene yarns doped with silver phosphate glass and zinc pyrithione were prepared and used for the production of bed sheets and clothing for healthcare personnel. Subsequently, measurements of airborne particles and viable microorganisms on given textiles were conducted in a private surgery clinic for 3 weeks, comparing the counts of viable microorganisms before and after replacing staff clothing and bedding on examination and the surgical bed with said polypropylene cloth. A significant reduction in airborne particles and viable microorganisms was expected based on previous studies on the use of polypropylene textiles in operating rooms. In this study, a significant reduction in viable airborne fungi and viable microorganisms on monitored textiles was observed by multiple methods. However, the effect on airborne microorganisms seems insignificant in areas with frequent patient traffic. The textile described here represents a new additional way of protecting patients and medical personnel from healthcare-associated infections while using a modification of proven production procedures and commercially usable materials without legislative restrictions.

This work is focused on characterization of spinning process of PLA fibres. PLA polymer with high melting point was modified by two hydrolytic additives in amounts (0 and 1 wt. %). Fully drawn (FDY) PLA fibres were prepared by melt spinning technique in the company Chemosvit Fibrochem a. s. (Svit, Slovakia). Preparation of PLA fibres was done by two different processes of continuous and discontinuous type. Different drawing ratios, take-up speeds and spin finishes for optimal fibre properties were used. Physical and mechanical properties of prepared FDY fibres, such as elongation and tenacity were measured. Prepared PLA fibres with different hydrolytic additives were process able in manufacturing process and this material could be used for various textile and composite applications.

This work is focused on the evaluation of the structure and properties of the nucleated polypropylene (PP) fibres prepared by melt spinning technique at lower take-up velocities as pre-oriented fibres (POY) containing 0.3–1.5 wt. % of additives - nucleating agents like 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS), quinacridone (QA) and calcium carbonate (CC). The thermal properties of nucleated PP fibres were determined by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Used additives promote nucleation activity, DBS and QA better than CC, as they increased the crystallization temperature to higher extent than CC. Effect of CC seems to be negligible, due to very little impact on melting point and crystallization temperature. Morphological characteristic of the PP fibres were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of nucleated PP is different significantly from that of reference non-nucleated PP fibre. The measured values of the above mentioned properties were compared with parameters of non-nucleated PP fibre prepared under same technological conditions.

The quinacridone pigment family presents a broad group of organic pigments commonly employed for various colourant applications. Furthermore, they are also acting as high-effective nucleating agents with a significant effect on the process of crystallization of polyolefins and thus affecting most of their physical properties. The presented work is focused on the practically uninvestigated field of research of the effect of storage time on the crystallization of pre-oriented polypropylene fibres with different content of the quinacridone pigment, intended for textiles for niche applications. Based on the results of the analysis of differential scanning calorimetry, performed in the time period of 35 days from the date of manufacture of fibres with a periodicity of 7 days, the dependence of their crystallinity, crystallization and melting temperature on the storage time as well as on the quinacridone content were studied. High-reliable predictive models of these dependencies, suitable for practical application in the textile industry, were created.

Changing conditions in the business environment forcing the organizations apply the concept of corporate social responsibility, which represents the potential of enhancing the partnership between the business community and other sectors. This collaboration brings to the participating groups positive synergistic effect. Introduction of this contribution provides an overview of the latest world's knowledge of behavior socially responsible organizations and their cooperation with the third sector. The article further describes synergistic effect of CSR, which results by the close cooperation the stakeholders of the real corporate company in the Slovak and international business environment. From the pillars, on which is built the business concept of CSR, the contribution stresses mainly social pillar and also brings specific knowledge and practical examples that confirm the mutual benefit of CSR for business, stakeholders from the third sector, thus contributing to the stability of the common business environment and society.