This document discusses anti-bacterial finishes that are applied to cellulosic fabrics like linen and cotton to make them resistant to bacteria. Rot proofing finishes protect fabrics from biological decay caused by mold, fungi and bacteria when exposed to moisture. Common active ingredients used in rot proofing finishes include compounds of antimony, bismuth, cadmium, cobalt and copper. Specific finishes mentioned include those using copper naphthanates and Willesden finish which uses a cuprammonium solution to treat canvas and tent cloth. The finish must not affect the fabric's properties or fastness and should be non-toxic, odorless and not discolor or degrade the fabric.

1. Anti-Bacterial Finish
Praveen D Nagarajan

2. ROT PROOFING / BACTERIOSTAT FINISH
‘Rot Proofing has been defined as the
protection from Biological Decay of textiles
exposed to moisture with or without contact
in soil or other contaminant’.
It is a Chemical and property giving finish.

3. ROT PROOFING / BACTERIOSTAT FINISH
PURPOSE:
This finish is mainly given to cellulosic fibres like jut, hemp, flax as they are
attacked by Bacteria. From the cellulosic fibres, bed-sheets, surgical cloth,
underwear are made and have to be protected from bacteria.
When the material is exposed to high moisture content or left damp for
prolonged period there is every chance for the growth of bacteria on it.
The organisms which attack the textile material are of two types:
• The moulds or fungi.
• The bacteria.
The attack is increased, if the material contains starches, gums, dextrin's,
flours etc.,
Even the natural impurities present in grey cotton itself serve as food.
Therefore the first step to produce rot proof material would be to Scour all
impurities and avoid finishes.

4. ROT PROOFING / BACTERIOSTAT FINISH
REQUIREMENTS:
• It should not affect the fastness
of the dyed fabric.
• It should not affect the physical properties of fabric.
• The finish should be fast to light, wash and
laundering

5. ROT PROOFING / BACTERIOSTAT FINISH
CHEMICALS:
The chemicals used for rot proofing should
• Be non-toxic to human being.
• Should have no objectional odour
• Should not discolor the material
• Should not affect the handle of the
goods.

6. ROT PROOFING / BACTERIOSTAT FINISH
• Compounds of Antimony, Bismuth, Cadmium, Cobalt and
Copper have been used as outdoor fungicides. Telluride's of
these metals are applied to the fibre by padding method using
a binder and emulsifier with water followed by drying.
• Copper Naphthanates are particularly more efficient when
compared with other copper compounds which are used for
rot proofing.
• Willesden Finish uses Cuprammonium solution for applying
on Canvas and Tent cloth to make them Rot proof and Water
proof.

7. ROT PROOFING / BACTERIOSTAT FINISH
Emulsions of Zinc or Copper Naphthanate is known as ‘Micronil’ also
confers rot proofing.
0.35% of metallic copper on the weight of the fibre must be present for
effective rot proofing.
Zirconium compounds can also be used.
Penta Chloro phenyl Laurate is an effective rot proofing agent but it
degrades cotton on exposure to light.
PROCESS SEQUENCE:
• Pad – Dry – Cure
• Concentration – 0.1%

8. ROT PROOFING / BACTERIOSTAT FINISH
WILLESDON FINISH:
• Cold solution of CuSO4 + NaOH (20 C)
• Raise the temperature
• Black precipitate
• Collect the precipitate and dissolve in ammonia we will get
Cuprammonium hydroxide solution.
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
• Copper sulphate - 60 lbs
• Soda ash - 40 Ibs
• Water - as required.
We will get a precipitate, Dissolve this in 85% formic acid.
PROCESS SEQUENCE: Pad – Dry.