Importance

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Abstract

Anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal synthetic hollow fiber (2) and various products made partially or wholly therefrom are formed in pure hollow or mock-hollow shapes and composed of various thermoplastic polymers having dispersed therein organic or inorganic, antimicrobial additives. The thickness of the fiber walls are optimally equal to or slightly less than the average maximum dimensions of the anti-microbial additive particles. Thus, a portion of the additive particles will be present at outer and/or inner surfaces of the fiber walls, effectively imparting antimicrobial characteristics to the hollow fiber and any fibrous products made therefrom. The additives can be selectively dispersed in certain regions of the fibers in order to reduce the amount of the additives required, and are resistant to separation from the fiber wall, prolonging the fiber's antimicrobial effectiveness. Additional additives can be dispersed in the fiber wall with the antimicrobial agents in order to enhance or provide different fiber properties.

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First Claim