New Kevlar fibers capable of killing a wide range of pollutants, including bacteria, viruses and spores that cause anthrax
Protective clothing used by firefighters and rescue workers will soon be able to undergo a significant upgrade thanks to the addition of the ability to kill bacteria. Researchers in South Dakota report progress towards new Kevlar fibers capable of killing a wide range of pollutants, including bacteria, viruses and spores that cause anthrax.
In the new study, researchers Yuyu Sun and Jie Luo note that Kevlar fibers are very common in fire-resistant materials used by firefighters, police and other rescue forces. However, among the increasing threats of bioterrorism there is a growing need for new protective clothing capable of providing multiple protection against a wide variety of dangerous microorganisms.
The scientists developed a special process for coating Kevlar fibers with a substance called acyclic N-Halamine, a potential germicide. So they exposed coated and uncoated fiber samples to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida tropicalis, MS2 virus, and Bacillus subtilis spores - which mimic the anthrax disease.
After a short time, a large amount of microorganisms were absorbed into the uncoated fiber samples, but no contaminants were seen in the coated type, the researchers say. The coating is long-lasting and durable, can be reused and does not result in any loss of fiber comfort or strength, the researchers add.
One response
Does it also work against mosquitoes?