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Structure and Properties of Polyamide Fabrics with Insect-Repellent Functionality by Electrospinning and Oxygen
Chunhui Xiang1, Nicholas R Etrick2, Margaret W Frey3
1Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Polymers
|September 30, 2020
Summary
Developing effective insect-repellent fabrics is crucial for preventing viral diseases. This study found that incorporating permethrin into nylon 6 fibers during electrospinning created highly effective, durable, and repellent polyamide fabrics for protective clothing against mosquitos.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Textile Engineering
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Light-weight, high-strength insect-repellent fabrics are vital for controlling vector-borne viral diseases.
- Polyamide fabrics offer a promising base for developing protective garments against mosquitos.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure and properties of permethrin-treated polyamide fabrics.
- To evaluate different methods for applying permethrin to polyamide fabrics for insect repellency.
- To assess the durability and effectiveness of these fabrics against mosquitos.
Main Methods:
- Permethrin was applied via electrospinning into nylon 6 polymer solutions and dip-coating onto untreated and plasma-treated polyamide fabrics (nylon 6 nanofibers, nylon 6 warp knit, nylon 66 interlock).
- Fabric properties, including permethrin retention (fastness to light and washing), were evaluated.
- Insect repellency was tested by assessing mosquito escape responses.
Main Results:
- Incorporating permethrin into the nylon 6 polymer solution before electrospinning was the most efficient application method.
- Oxygen plasma treatment significantly enhanced surface permethrin levels.
- All permethrin-treated fabrics exhibited excellent light fastness.
- Electrospun nylon 6 nonwovens showed superior wash fastness compared to other treated fabrics.
- All permethrin-treated fabrics demonstrated significant mosquito repellency.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun nylon 6 nonwovens with incorporated permethrin offer a highly effective and durable solution for insect-repellent protective clothing.
- Optimized permethrin application methods and fabric treatments can enhance the performance of polyamide textiles against disease-carrying insects.
- These advanced fabrics hold potential for reducing the transmission of viral diseases transmitted by mosquitos.
