A biofunctionalization of nonwoven fabrics was carried out with 0.1-4 wt.% of copper silicate. Polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable polymers [poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)] or their mixtures were used as polymer components. Mostly liquid oligomers of ethylene glycol (PEG) or copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide (2.5-5 wt.%) were applied as plasticizers. New composite nonwovens containing CuSiO 3 were prepared by the melt-blown technique [1]. They showed very good antibacterial and antifungal properties against colonies of gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and a yeast fungus (Candida albicans). Nonwovens containing ≥ 0.5 wt.% of CuSiO 3 can be used, e.g. as hygienic and bioactive filter materials in airconditioning systems. The application of PLA and PHA affects the ability of these hybrid nonwovens to biologically decompose. DSC analysis indicated that the incorporation of additives in PLA and PP nonwovens significantly affected their melting and crystallization processes.

A convenient and simple method for preparation of commercial nonwovens with antimicrobial properties was elaborated. The process consists in preparation of poly(L-lactide) microspheres (from poly(L-lactide) with M n = 10,560 and M w /M n = 1.39) containing triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol) and loading them onto the nonwovens. The microspheres were prepared by spray drying (D n = 3.91 μm, D w /D n = 2.43) and oil-in-water emulsification-solvent evaporation method (D n = 5.84 μm, D w /D n = 1.25). Content of triclosan in microspheres ranged from 4.65 to 4.95 wt%. The antibacterial nonwovens were prepared by padding of the fibers with the microspheres using the microsphere suspension. The resulting antibacterial nonwovens were examined using inhibition zone measurement method. Inhibition zones from 4 to 9 mm indicated that the modified nonwovens had antibacterial properties against Gram (+)-Staphylococcus aureus and Gram (À)-Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nonwovens were conditioned up to 12 months at relative humidity <5%, 50%, and 100% in desiccators and up to 6 months air-conditioning system at relative humidity = 65%. Antimicrobial activity of the modified nonwovens was examined as a function of time and air humidity. Time of conditioning has strong influence on antibacterial activity, whereas the impact of the air humidity was negligible. All nonwovens had antibacterial properties even after 12 months of conditioning.

In this article, a bleaching method with simultaneous disinfection using hydrogen peroxide in the gas phase (Vaporised Hydrogen Peroxide-VHP) is presented as an innovative, environmentally friendly, low-temperature method without wastewater generation. After the process, the cellulose products are characterised by acceptable whiteness and microbiological purity. The method presented is an eco-friendly alternative for the conventional water-and energy intensive bleaching process with reference to products made of cellulosic fibres to be applied in special applications: medical (gauze, cotton wool, bandages) and hygienic (e.g. face masks used in the prophylaxis of bacterial and/or viral infections). After tests of the sensitising effect on animals, the bleached materials were considered safe for potential users.

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