In the present disclosure, silver ions, copper ions, quaternary ammonium compounds and cationic drugs such as sulphanilamide, chlorhexidine acetate, etc., used as antibacterial agents are incorporated into fibers, filaments and films through nanoclays. The nanoclays serve as a carrier for the antimicrobial agents and are incorporated into the fiber-forming polymer. In one embodiment, the biocidal metals and organic compounds are incorporated into the clay structure via an ion exchange reaction. Nylon nanocomposite filaments and films based on copper and quaternary ammonium ion modified clays provide 100% antibacterial activity against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram negative Escherichia coli bacteria at an optimum clay loading of 0.75% (by weight), and the activity is retained up to 50 washes. The resulting filaments show enhanced mechanical properties such as tensile strength and modulus, and find application in areas of medical textiles like sutures, wound dressings and health & hygiene textiles. In addition, they can be integrated into protective clothing, body garments, sportswear and upholstery.
