New areas of applications of cyclodextrins with technical textiles are possible. The ability of cyclodextrins to form inclusion complexes can be used, e.g., to remove malodor from technical textile materials. The permanent fixation of cyclodextrins offers new textileswith interesting properties. Thus the formation of body odor is reduced by the complexation of the organic compounds of sweat. The release of perfumes from cyclodextrins is possible by the use of technical textiles with fixed cyclodextrins. Pharmaceutical compounds are also set free in contact with the skin. Last but not least the analysis of the different compounds of the human sweat complexed by the cyclodextrins offers new possibilities in medical diagnostics.
Uses of cyclodextrins in connection with technical textiles
Two fundamental possibilities have to be distinguished:
(1)There are no chemical or physical interactions between cyclodextrin and the textile materials.
In this case cyclodextrins or their complexes are used to positively influence the quality of ues. It is known that cyclodextrins from complexes with perfumes or fragrances which can be stored over a long period without loss of these substances. The complexes organic substances are only set free in contact with moisture. Thus it is possible to add a fresh smell in a drier to just washed laundry using cyclodextrins complexes. The fragrance complexes inside the drier. Cyclodextrins complexes with fragrances and perfumes are stable over a long period and may therefore also be used in washing powder and other products for the cleaning or care of technical textiles.
On the other hand unpleasant odours of technical textiles can be removed by the complexation with cyclodextrins. Spraying such a textile with a solution of cyclodextrins results in complex formation with the substances responsible for the unpleasant odour. No interactions between these complexes and the textile materials take place. As a result the complex is removed from the surface by mechanical stress. For example, during the cleaning of carpets the solid complex is removed together with dirt particles. Afterwards the textile material is completely odourless again because the unpleasant odour was removed not masked. Cyclodextrins or their complexes remaining are very soluble in water and they are at least removed from the material with the next washing.
(2)There is permanent fixation of cyclodextrin on the fibre surface.
Another possible use of cyclodextrins results from the permanent fixation on different polymeric materials. Cyclodextrin derivatives with a reactive group, the monochlorotriazinyl group are able to react with the hydroxyl groups of cellulosic fibres like reactive dyes. Permanent fixation on fibres made from polyester is only possible with cyclodextrin derivatives with long alkyl chains or other hydrophobic groups. Comparable with disperse dyeing, the hydrophobic part of the substituted cyclodextrins migrates into the fibre above the glass transition temperature.
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