Anti-Bacterial Test

Clothing and textile materials are especially good media for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria. 

  

Odours are generated when microorganisms grow in perspiration. By using anti-microbial agents to inhibit microorganisms, the root cause of odours can be eliminated. Nowadays anti-bacterial textiles can be found in applications outside of the healthcare industry, for example in daily personal items, such as socks, mattresses, baby diapers and coverings.

  

How do you add value to your products by providing evidence of good anti-bacterial features?

  

• Provide lasting and continual protection against bacteria wash after wash
• Minimize disinfections / sterilization
• Stay cleaner and fresher for longer against stains and odours 
• Enhance the hygiene and health condition of clothing
• Demonstrate durability enhancement of the product

 

  

How does the anti-bacterial function work? 

  

Textiles products can be given anti-bacterial functions in a number of ways. Anti-bacterial additives can be introduced to the clothing during the manufacturing process, like structures and dyes, or applied on the finishing. Common anti-microbial agents include organic agents (e.g., alcohol and quaternary ammonium salts), inorganic agents (e.g., silver and zinc) and natural agents (e.g., chitosan).

  

This function can be tested by both quantitative and qualitative methods. Intertek Hong Kong supports at least 20 testing methods to serve customers’ needs and their products’ uniqueness.

  

Quantitative Methods (applicable to both leaching and non-leaching agents):

  

• AATCC 100

• ASTM E2149

• FTTS-FA-001

• FTTS-FA-002

• JIS L1902

• JIS Z 2801

• ISO 22196

• ISO 20743

• ASTM E2180

• GB/T 20944.2

• GB/T 20911.3

• FZ/T 73023 Annex D absorption method

• FZ/T 73023 Annex D shaking method

 

  

Qualitative Methods (applicable to leaching and slightly leaching agents):

  

• AATCC 147

• JIS L1902

• ISO 20645

• AATCC 90

• GB/T 20944.1

• CNS 13907 L3248

• FZ/T 73023 Annex E halo method