A Copper Process for Prolonged Microbiological Protection of Cellulosic Fabrics by Chemical Modification

Abstract

A new process for prolonged mildew resistance of cellulosic materials has been developed. The process consists of treating cellulose with a dilute solution of copper formate followed by a heat treatment. Heat treatment is an important part of the process. Cotton fabric treated by this process is resistant to pure cultures of cellulolytic organisms both before and after exposure in the Weather-Ometer, and it survives for relatively long periods in biologically active soil. It is believed that in fabric treated by this process, the copper is bound to the cellulose and gives the effect of cross-linking. The copper is insoluble in most copper solvents such as ammonia.