Antibacterial Flame Retardant Cotton High Loft Nonwovens

Renewable resources for raw materials and biodegradability of the product at the end of the useful life is entailing a shift from petroleum-based synthetics to agro based natural fibers such as cotton, especially for producing high specific volume high loft nonwovens. Cotton is highly flammable and is susceptible to microorganisms. FR is achieved in many cotton fiber blended nonwovens through chemical finishing. Paradoxically, as the fabrics go through the chemical finishing treatment, looses the high loft and soft feel desired for soft furnishings. With nonwoven technology, it is possible to overcome drawbacks of FR treatment and impart desired strength and softness. SRRC flame retardant treated grey cotton fibers were blended with antibacterial treated grey cotton fibers and bicomponent polyester fibers to form high loft fabrics that have high flame resistance (FR) and antibacterial property and these were evaluated for LOI, vertical flame test and antibacterial test.