Fabric coating registers strong virus-reduction capabilities in wash testing

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Independent testing has validated the virus-reduction capabilities of a fabric coating technology called Bi-ome, reports its maker, Devan. The company said Bi-ome reduced viruses – including SARS-COV-2 – by 99% and higher on unwashed samples, and by 98.5% after 25 wash cycles.

“In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and fast-approaching Autumn/Winter flu season, we were keen to provide textile manufacturers with concrete assurance regarding virus-reduction performance on washed samples according to ISO 18184,” said Sven Ghyselinck, CEO of Devan. “This exceeds the limitations of the post-wash antimicrobial results most commonly shared for other technologies, giving the textile industry a clear, more precise overview of performance and wash durability.”

Over recent months, Devan has worked closely with a series of international third-party laboratories to test different fabric substrates against a wide range of enveloped viruses. It reports that before washing, samples treated with Devan Bi-ome score very good to excellent (99% and higher according to ISO 18184) results in terms of virus reduction. Different substrates – such as polyester, cotton and polycottons – were exposed to enveloped viruses including SARS-COV-2 (known to cause COVID-19), Feline Corona, Vaccinia (the EU standard for enveloped viruses) and Porcine Respiratory viruses. Devan says that after 30 minutes, Bi-ome reduced 99.96% of the activity of SARS-COV-2.

A decrease in coating technologies’ virus-reduction performance is expected after washing. However, Devan said Bi-ome delivered only a minimal reduction, registering a 98.5% virus reduction even after the fabric had been washed 25 times. Devan is further improving its formulas to improve wash resistance even more while keeping the economical add-on cost as low as possible.

Devan’s Bi-ome is already used in diverse applications including bedding, clothing, travel accessories and transport. The company says the technology is suitable for use in aircraft cabins. Bi-ome has non-metal, non-leaching, quat silane-based chemistry. The product is BPR (EU, TR) and EPA registered and Ökotex class 1 registered. Through its nature it is inherently biodegradable.

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Izzy has been part of the Business Jet Interiors International team since its second issue, and the editor since 2011. She also edits Auditoria and Railway Interiors International. Outside of work, Izzy is rediscovering her love of art by learning how to paint with watercolors.

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