Fungi test:
ASTM G21 is a qualitative test method designed to assess the resistance of materials to fungal growth. This test utilizes a high concentration of spores from five distinct fungal species. The goal is to evaluate how well the materials withstand or resist fungal colonization. The qualitative nature of the test implies that it provides an indication of the material's susceptibility or resistance to fungal attack rather than providing precise quantitative data. This method is valuable for assessing the potential for fungal growth on the fabrics/materials, helping to inform decisions regarding their use and application in various settings.
The information you provided is a clear and concise explanation of the relationship between fungi, fabrics, and the role of additives in microbial growth. It highlights that certain fabrics, components, and additives play a crucial role in providing a readily available food source for microbial growth. The analogy of using lighter fluid to set charcoal on fire effectively illustrates how additives serve as an initial energy source, facilitating the breakdown of the fabric by fungi.
Furthermore, the mention of ASTM G21 as an official method for testing the resistance of synthetic polymers to fungal attack provides context for the industry's efforts to standardize and assess the performance of materials in the face of microbial challenges. This standardized testing method, introduced in 1990, has likely played a crucial role in evaluating the durability and suitability of synthetic polymers in various applications.
The testing procedure involves examining samples under a dissecting microscope at 40x magnification. The evaluation is based on a rating scale ranging from 0 to 4, with each score reflecting the extent of fungal growth observed. The rating system is as follows:
While the method does not explicitly specify pass/fail criteria, it notes that the test procedure might be terminated prematurely for specimens receiving a rating of "2" or higher. This suggests that specimens showing light fungal growth or more may be considered as reaching a potentially undesirable level, prompting the conclusion of the test. The specific criteria for passing or failing might be determined by the testing entity or industry standards applicable to the particular application or material being assessed.
Our Titan Charged Ion socks show no fungal growth making them a superior choice to protect against fungi on the fabric. This is exceptionally high performance, especially when using wool. EVEN after 50 home laundries!
Bacteria:
AATCC 100 is a standardized test method developed by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) for evaluating the antimicrobial performance of textiles and other porous materials. This globally recognized method provides a quantitative assessment of antibacterial performance on textile materials, such as socks.
This standard tests both bacteriostatic activity (growth inhibition) and bactericidal activity (killing of bacteria) of the sample. The test involves exposing a treated textile sample to a bacterial suspension and then measuring the reduction in bacterial growth on the sample over a 24 hours of contact. Antibacterial activity is determined by comparing the reduction in the viable count of bacteria on the test sample with a control sample.
The primary objective of AATCC TM 100 is to determine the degree of antibacterial activity in textiles treated with antimicrobial products. It serves as a crucial tool for assessing how well the treated textiles resist the growth of bacteria. This method is particularly useful for demonstrating antimicrobial performance against standard bacteria.
The standard microorganisms used in the AATCC TM 100 test are Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. These bacteria are chosen to represent common microbial threats, and their interaction with the treated textiles helps gauge the effectiveness of the antimicrobial performance.
Our Titan Charged Ion socks have a greater than 99% bactericidal activity with both gram positive and gram negative bacteria making them a superior choice to protect against bacteria on the fabric. This is again, exceptionally high performance, especially with our wool. EVEN after 50 home laundries!
