Effect of fibre composition on essential properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics as secondary layer for composite wound dressings

Abstract

Suitability of viscose, bamboo, cotton and polyester fibres as a secondary layer for wound dressing application has been analysed. The needle-punched nonwovens of the selected fibres in seven different combinations, namely 100% viscose, 70/30 viscose/bamboo, 70/30 viscose/cotton, 70/30 viscose/polyester, 30/70 viscose/bamboo, 30/70 viscose/cotton and 30/70 viscose/polyester have been used for the study. These nonwovens are compared for their properties like mass per unit area, thickness, air permeability, tensile strength, elongation, water vapor transmission rate, rate of absorption, absorbency, vertical wicking, dehydration rate, and antibacterial efficacy against <em>S.aureus </em>and <em>E.coli</em>. From the obtained results, based on the importance of wound dressing characteristics, 70/30 viscose/bamboo needle-punched nonwoven is found to be more useful as a secondary layer for wound dressing. The dressings maintain the suitable moisture conditions around the wound surface, preventing the desiccation. The usage of developed nonwovens aids in rapid uptake and retention of wound fluid, which creates an optimum environment for rapid healing and inhibition of bacterial growth.