Polyhexamethylene bisguanidine: a new antimicrobial agent for textile applications

Polyhexamethylene Bisguanidine (PHMBG), a new compound with potential antibacterial activity was used as additive in the dyeing of cotton, wool and polyacrylonitrile fibres. The fastness properties and colour coordinates of the dyed samples were measured. The antibacterial agent applied by exhaustion with after treatment of the dyed fabrics did not affect the fastness properties of the dyeings while the colorimetric data of the dyed samples were slightly affected. The antibacterial activity of the samples treated with PHMBG as well as their stability against wet treatments was assessed and found to be excellent. Abbreviations: PHMBG (polyhexamethylene bisguanidine), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), CC (colour change), CS (colour staining), omf (on mass fibre), D.O. 34 (Direct Orange 34), A.B.194 (Acid Black 194), B.B. 41 (Basic Blue 41).