The Technology
- SILVADUR™ uses a patented polymer technology to deliver silver ions via an “intelligent control” mechanism. When odor-causing organisms land on the surface of treated fabrics, the silver ions interact with them, resulting in effective microbe-derived odor control
- SILVADUR™ odor protection technology is particle free and readily water-dilutable, forming phase stable and solids-free finishing bath solutions for easy and rapid processing of fabric when used appropriately. The product is dilutable in textile treatment baths and forms an insoluble interpenetrating polymer network with silver ions when applied to a fabric. SILVADUR™ binds to bacterial DNA preventing replication and binds with the cellular membrane causing structural and functional changes in the bacterial membranes leading to their inability to properly function. It also absorbs acids, amines, and sulfur compounds.
Application and Uses
- SILVADUR™ is offered in an easy-to-apply liquid formulation and can be used in multiple processing methods, including pad and exhaust applications.
- SILVADUR™ offers light- and heat-stable application performance and durable antimicrobial protection for more than 50 washings for a wide range of apparel and textile products.
- SILVADUR™ can be readily formulated into water-based textile finishes, as it is water soluble, reusable and recyclable, providing cost-saving co-application opportunities.
- SILVADUR™ is effective on both natural and synthetic fibers, and is compatible with a broad range of common textile additives, detergents, and other finishing treatments. The polymeric nature, low-dosage profile and formulation composition unique to SILVADUR™ make it a viable alternative for retailers and brand owners selecting antimicrobial, odor-controlling finishing treatments and/or treated articles. When applied to fabric surfaces and textile products, SILVADUR™ does not impact their feel or aesthetic properties, extensive independent testing shows that SILVADUR™ does not affect the moisture management properties of SILVADUR™-treated goods. Extensive independent testing shows that SILVADUR™ does not discolor white fabrics. when used appropriately. SILVADUR™ can be used to treat apparel, bedding, footwear, wall and floor coverings, carpets, draperies, wiping cloths, brushes, filters, insulation, tents, awnings, and tarps.
- SILVADUR™ offers light- and heat-stable application performance and durable antimicrobial protection for more than 50 washings for a wide range of apparel and textile products.
- SILVADUR™ can be readily formulated into water-based textile finishes, as it is water soluble, reusable and recyclable, providing cost-saving co-application opportunities.
- SILVADUR™ is effective on both natural and synthetic fibers, and is compatible with a broad range of common textile additives, detergents, and other finishing treatments.
- How long does it take to apply SILVADUR™ via exhaust? Exhaust application time of SILVADUR varies depending on substrate. Exhaust with SILVADUR can happen in 10 minutes at the proper pH. We would recommend no longer than 20 minutes at 100 degrees C.
- Is it more effective to treat apparel in the garment wash stage of production to optimize durability?
This can vary depending on the process used, but the garment wash is typically one of the last stages in production. Treating in this stage may optimize durability because the treated garment would not be washed as many times after treatment, whereas if the fabric is treated at the mill, it will be washed several times throughout the garment manufacturing process likely losing a bit of wash durability. For denim, SILVADUR is effective and recommended in the garment wash stage of production. - Can SILVADUR™ be used on PEVA?
Yes, SILVADUR can be utilized to treat synthetic materials such as PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate). We have treated PEVA in the past, but it can be difficult to treat and test. - Can SILVADUR™ be used on wool?
Wool is a challenging substrate to durably treat with SILVADUR because wool has a lot of lone pair sulfurs, disulfides, and lanthionines which tend to bind up free silver. When the silver ion binds up with these groups, it is no longer available to control bacterial growth. We have found that fabrics with about 10% or less wool can be treated successfully with SILVADUR. Fabric compositions containing greater than 10-20% can be extremely challenging. - Can SILVADUR™ be used to treat yarn?
Yes, SILVADUR can be used to treat yarn, but it can be difficult and not as effective which is why we recommend treating fabric.
Certification
- SILVADUR™ is a bluesign® approved chemical product and a bluesign® System Partner.
- SILVADUR™ is recognized and listed as an Active Chemical Product (with biological activity) by the International Oeko-Tex® Association as a formulation that has been assessed to be harmless to human health, provided it is used as indicated and designated.
- SILVADUR™ is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the active ingredient is notified and supported under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
- SILVADUR™ technology is registered to meet REACH requirements in the European Union.
- SILVADUR™ does not contain any components listed by the State of California under the Prop 65 regulation,
therefore, a warning label is not required on the package.
Does SILVADUR have antiviral properties?
SILVADUR doesn’t have antiviral properties. You can check the information about SILVADUR on intellifresh.com or Lanxess.com