Manufacturing – HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03
How to include HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 in the manufacturing process
HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is a liquid formulation that can be applied to a range of textiles used at the frontline of the Coronavirus response. It can be added in the laundry or at the textile manufacturing stage using standard continuous wet-processing methods (e.g. padding, kiss-roll etc) as well as by exhaust in short liquor.
HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 can be used for all fibre types, and is particularly suitable for non-woven products, including:
- Face masks
- Air filters
- Surgical and isolation gowns
- Aprons
- Overalls
- All-in-one suits
- Curtains
- Sheets
- Bedroom and bathroom textiles
The antimicrobial efficacy of HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 lasts at least 10 washes. No detrimental effect of Viroblock on the handle of a fabric has been found.
Technical USPs
- Non-dangerous good: convenient for both logistics and storage
- Can be applied to all types of fabrics and non-woven materials
- Standard continuous wet-processing applications (padding, kiss-roll etc)
- Application 5% to 20% WOF
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is it possible to combine HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 with a binder system to confer 50+ wash durability while retaining efficacy?
A: No. The silver component already has a 50–100-times wash fastness. The booster vesicle technology is not wash fast and cannot be made more wash fast by use of a binder.
Q: Can the products be applied in combination with other textile finishes (e.g. easy-care resins or optical brightening agents) using the all-in pad method?
A: All finish combinations must be tested first.
Q: Are there any maximum temperature restrictions?
A: Currently we recommend a drying temperature not exceeding 120 °C while we test the product at higher temperatures.
Q: Are there any fabric-type restrictions?
A: HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 can be applied to different fabric types, including woven, knit and non-woven, cellulosic, synthetics and their blends. Use of non-woven fabrics is most suitable for the intended anti-viral performance.
Q: If 5% WOF is applied, is the product less effective than a higher application?
A: Yes, dosage affects effectiveness. Recommended applications are 10–20% for critical applications, such as face masks and disposable medical non-wovens, and 5–10% for less critical textile applications, such as daily garments and home fabrics.
Q: Does a steam-application process reduce durability?
A: Currently the processing temperature should be limited to 100–120 °C until testing with higher temperatures is complete. HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 can be applied by exhaust up to 1:10 liquor rates. HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is washfast up to 10 gentle washes (further testing is underway).
Q: Should any effluent be trapped, or is it acceptable to release the effluent into a normal effluent system?
A: Please consult the materials safety data sheet and your local country requirements.
Q: Where do you apply the HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 in the laundry process?
A: The product is applied in the final rinse.
Q: Can you combine HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 with durable water repellent (DWR) treatments?
A: This is not recommended but it may be possible.
Q: Can the technology be applied to fabrics during fabric production?
A: Yes, all standard application processes apply for fabrics. The fastest route would involve application of HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 by finishing on the ticking, with standard pad-dry applications or kiss-roll application.
Q: Can the technology be sprayed onto fabrics (on finished mattress goods, for example)?
A: Yes, this is possible if a homogenous spray bar is available.
Q: Can HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 be applied by jet dyeing?
A: We are currently exploring this possibility.
Q: Can HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 be applied by dipping?
A: No results are currently available on dipping, but we are examining this possibility.
Q: The product offers both anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. What concentration of HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is recommended to achieve a wash durability of 30 washes at 60 °C and 90 °C?
A: Wash durability testing is ongoing. The latest results show a wash durability of 10 cycles of gentle washing.
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