Anti-microbial and durability characteristics of socks made of cotton and regenerated cellulosic fibers

Socks represent one of fabric goods possessing the minimum lifetime among clothing products because they are manufactured with least cost compared to other textile fabrics and have high consumption rate. Therefore, socks should be produced to achieve customer satisfaction in accordance with style and functional requirements during end use. Also, socks products should be manufactured in the way to include good properties particularly for health merits without affecting consumer health negatively. This research involved an experimental study to find out the functional attributes comprising anti-microbial performance and the mechanical characteristics of socks knitted with applying conventional Egyptian cotton and yarns spun from new regenerated fibers as Tencel and Bamboo. Furthermore, this study investigates the influence of fabric structure (Rib 4:1 - Plain) and using Lycra on the anti-bacterial and mechanical properties. The results shown that the survivability of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the socks affected by material type and fabric structure. These results are an essential evaluation to design comfort and environmentally healthy socks. (C) 2018 Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.