Agency:

Agricultural Research Service

August 12, 1997

This invention involves the synthesis of new, environmentally-benign magnesium peroxide agents that can be affixed to fabrics, providing antibacterial activity that is durable to repeated laundering. Modified fabrics are valuable for a variety of aesthetic and health care applications. Fibers, such as cotton, mercerized cotton and rayon, have the best affinity for the agents. However, cotton and cotton/polyester blend fabrics provide the best durability to laundering for retention of the agents. Fabrics from the invention will benefit the consumer and the health care industry by making available an environmentally benign material that prevents transmission of disease. The invention will also benefit the farmer because fabrics that perform best are either cotton or dominantly-based cotton fiber blends.

Tyrone L. Vigo	Gary F. Danna
Cotton Textile Chemistry	Cotton Textile Chemistry
New Orleans, Louisiana 70179	New Orleans, Louisiana 70179
(504) 286-4487	(504) 286-4487
(510) 559-5777 (fax)

Industry Keywords:

natural fibers, cotton fiber blends, durable press wear, antimicrobial properties, polymerization, polycarboxylic acids, polyethylene glycols, zero formaldehyde, low formaldehyde, cross linking, environment, medical, chemical