Development and characterization of socks with improved anti-odour, thermo-regulating and handle properties

Abstract

Due to awareness of the potential threats of spreading diseases, the demand for antimicrobial fabrics in the world market has grown significantly and, is, expected to increase the share of medical textiles in the future world market. The purpose of this study is to develop antibacterial socks with the application of silver particles and to study thermo- physiological properties as well as the evaluation of tactile sensory perceptions of treated socks against untreated socks. Socks, which are a necessary item of clothing, need to be comfortable and affordable. The materials used for this study are cotton and polyester fibre with three different cross-sectional shapes i.e., common Polyester (round shape), Coolmax (Channeled polyester) and Thermolite (Hollow polyester). Blend ratios with percentages of 80/20 Cotton/Polyester, 80/20 Cotton/Coolmax and 80/20 Cotton/Thermolite were used as main yarns in plain crew socks while elastane yarn is used in the same percentage in all developed socks. A comparison between the samples treated with silver particles and the corresponding control samples concerning the selected properties was done. The presence of particles on the treated fibre was confirmed through an SEM study. Testing of untreated and treated fabrics for antibacterial study and odour test was carried out and found significant. The thermo-physiological properties such as air permeability, relative water vapour permeability % and thermal resistance were also studied and found better results as compared to untreated samples. Later tactile sensorial comfort i.e., fabric hand value was compared which is improved for treated samples which makes the wearer comfortable hand feeling. These data present a great interest to socks manufacturers who can make better choices to manufacture, cost-effective anti-odour socks.