GB2603914A

GB2603914A - Bio-sustainable Nonwoven Fabrics and Methods for Making said Fabrics

Info

Publication number: GB2603914A
Application number: GB2102275.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Patel Shailesh; Arouni Hamidreza; Chetty Vera; Kowal Katarzyna
Original assignee: Lynam Pharma Ltd
Current assignee: Lynam Pharma Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2021-02-18
Publication date: 2022-08-24
Also published as: GB2603981A; GB2603981B; GB202102275D0; GB202111791D0

Abstract

Non-woven fabric 1 comprising a layer of plant-derived and/or biodegradable polymer fibres 2 and a biodegradable and/or biobased binder applied to an intended outer surface of the fabric. The layer may comprise a carded hydroentangled and/or thermally bonded non-woven of plant-derived fibres and/or biobased or biodegradable polymer fibres with a barrier layer composed of wetlaid cellulose-based fibrils which may be blended with biodegradable polymer fibres and/or plant-derived fibres or PLA meltblown layer or a permeable PLA film. The plant derived fibres may be cellulosic fibres selected from viscose fibres and wood pulp. The blend may comprise a carded nonwoven mix of polylactic acid fibres and Veocel® and/or bicomponent PLA/PLA fibres. One or more additional layers of plant-based fibres (16) may be included in the fabric, such as a layer of regenerated cellulose fibres, wood pulp with other cellulosic fibres and/or biodegradable PLA. The fabric can be constructed from carded, wetlaid, meltblown, spunbond nonwoven layers as well as appropriate film laminated together. The fabric may be used in a surgical article such as a surgical gown, surgical drape or disposable bed sheet.

Description

Bio-sustainable Nonwoven Fabrics and Methods for Making said Fabrics.

The present invention relates to novel bio-sustainable nonwoven fabrics, to methods for making such fabrics and to their applications, in particular in relation to the protective garments.

Background

Nonwoven fabrics are used in a variety of industries such as healthcare, aerospace, automotive and sports. The nonwoven fabrics are commonly produced using several synthetic fibres derived from petrochemical based substances. (e.g., Polypropylene, polyester, polyamide and polyethylene), man-made plant-derived fibres such as viscose, modal or plant and animal based natural fibres (cotton, abaca, hemp, wool). Different nonwoven fibre structures, bonding and layering technologies are used to give the desired thermal, chemical and mechanical properties for the fabric to meet the required need.

In a healthcare setting, nonwoven fabrics are used in several single use medical items, such as surgical gowns, drapes and disposable patient sheets, and are designed to be discarded after single use. The most common form of gown is made from a polypropylene trilaminate spunbond-meltblown-spunbond nonwoven fabric, known as SMS. The SMS fabric comprises a top and bottom layer of polypropylene spunbond fabric and a middle layer of polypropylene meltblown fabric. This combination is used to provide strength and durability combined with wicking and barrier properties, with the polypropylene spunbond fabric providing the strength and durability and the small polypropylene fibres of meltblown fabric providing a barrier to fluids and particles.

An inherent problem of nonwoven fabric of this type is that once the fabric becomes wet due to prolonged contact with blood or other fluid, it no longer provides an effective barrier to microorganisms. Such fabrics may also be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Bacterial or virus adhesion to nonwoven fabric poses a considerable threat to healthcare staff as contaminants on the surface can be inadvertently transferred to the personnel. Bacteria and viruses, such as the coronaviruses (SARS/N4ERS/COVID-19) can survive on dry surfaces for days or weeks depending on the environment.

Furthermore, products made from petrochemical based fibres (such as polypropylene commonly used in production of the SMS nonwoven fabric) are considered single use plastics. These are currently treated through either incineration or reprocessed and sent to landfill.

The need to develop sustainable fabrics which can be disposed of in a manner that has minimal environmental impact is becoming more prevalent The nonwoven fabric must be able to separate effectively during the reprocessing stage, so that the constituent parts can be sorted and reused.

Attempts have been made to provide biodegradable and/or antimicrobial fabrics, such as in CN101675829 (A), W02006100665 (A2), W02016125132 (Al), CN106948088 (A), US2018022879 (Al), EP3067445 (Al), US2013190408 (Al) CN105077764 (A) and EP 3227490 (Al). However, there remains a need for a nonwoven fabric that has improved barrier properties, enhanced comfort and may have its constituent parts sorted and reused, thereby providing a bio-sustainable fabric. The present invention aims to address this need

Summary of the Invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a nonwoven fabric comprising: at least one layer comprising plant-derived fibres and/or biodegradable polymer fibres; and at least one biodegradable and/or biobased binder applied to an intended outer surface of the fabric.

One or multiple layers of blended plant-derived fibres and/or biodegradable polymer fibres may be included in the fabric. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer fibres are biobased fibres At least one layer may comprise a carded hydroentangled and/or thermally bonded nonwoven made up from plant-derived fibres and/or a biodegradable, optionally biobased polymer fibres with at least one barrier layer composed of a wetlaid cellulose-based fibrils, optionally blended with wood pulp fibres, biodegradable polymer fibres and/or plant-derived fibres, or a PLA meltblown layer or a permeable PLA film. The fabric may also include one or more layers of a spunbond fabric composed of biodegradable polymer filaments.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-woven fabric comprising: at least one layer of a carded hydroentangled and/or thermally or chemically bonded blend of at least one type, preferably at least two types, of plant-derived fibres and/or at least one type of biodegradable polymer fibre; and at least one biodegradable binder applied to at least an intended outer surface of the fabric.

Preferably, the plant-derived fibres are cellulosic fibres which are selected from the group consisting of LENZING' Lyocell Fibres, VeocelTM fibres and viscose fibres Biodegradable polymer fibres are preferably polylactic acid (PLA) fibres.

In one embodiment, the blend comprises a carded nonwoven mix of VeocelM and polylactic acid fibres, especially bicomponent PLA. In another embodiment, the blend comprises a carded nonwoven mix of VeocelTM and viscose fibres or VeocelTM, PLA and viscose fibres, or VeocelTM, PLA bicomponent, and viscose fibres, or VeocelTM, PLA, and PLA bicomponent, or viscose, PLA, and PLA bicomponent. The nonwoven may be hydroentangled, chemically bonded, ultrasonically bonded, flat thermally bonded, thermally embossed or thermally point bonded The blend of at least one layer preferably comprises one type of plant-derived fibres blended with PLA fibres in a ratio of 5:95 to 95:5, preferably in a ratio 40:60 to 60:40, more preferably 50:50. However, at least one layer may comprise a blend of two or more plant-derived fibres.

The at least one biodegradable binder is preferably selected from a polyester elastomer, biobased polyester, PLA, starch-based binders and urethane binder. More preferably, the binder is a urethane binder. Optionally, an antimicrobial agent may be provided onto the binder or within the binder wherein the binder acts as a carrier for the agent. The antimicrobial agent is preferably selected from chitosan or metal oxide nanoparticles, preferably zinc, silver or copper oxide nanoparticles. The incorporation of the antimicrobial agent into the binder limits the agent to one surface of the fabric only. Other additives may be included with the binder, such as pigments.

The non-woven fabric according to the first aspect of the present invention may be provided with additional layers of plant derived or biodegradable polymer fibres.

In one embodiment, a second layer is provided comprising a PLA spunbond layer. Preferably, the binder is applied onto this layer.

Alternatively, a second layer may be provided comprising a wetlaid fibrillated lyocell fibres (LENZ1INGTM Lyocell Fibrils) which may be blended with wood pulp and/or PLA or PLA biocomponent fibres. A second layer may be a PLA meltblown layer. Preferably, the binder is applied onto at least the intended outer layer of the fabric.

Alternatively, a second layer may be provided by laminating a film of biobased or biodegradable polymer, such as PLA.

In a further embodiment, the fabric comprises a second layer of wetlaid LENZ ING' Lyocell Fibrils which can be blended with wood pulp and/or PLA or PLA biocomponent fibres, a PLA meltblown layer or a biodegradable polymer laminated film layer and a third layer comprising a PLA spunbond layer. Preferably, PLA spunbond layer forms the outer layer with the binder applied onto this layer. Again, optionally, an antimicrobial agent may be provided on or within the binder formulation such that this is located in the outer layer(s) of the fabric.

In a further embodiment of a tri-layer fabric according to the invention, the fabric comprises a second layer of a permeable biodegradable polymeric film or membrane, preferably a PLA breathable film, and a third layer of PLA spunbond having binder applied to this layer.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of assembling into a nonwoven blend of fibres comprising at least one type of plant-derived fibre and/or biodegradable polymer fibres, using at least one type of nonwoven technology to form at least one fabric layer, applying a biodegradable binder onto an intended outer surface of a nonwoven fabric comprising at least one layer of plant-derived fibres and/or biobased biodegradable polymer fibres; and drying the fabric.

Preferably, the at least one layer of nonwoven fabric is assembled from a mix of plant-derived fibres and/or biobased biodegradable polymer fibres, comprising at least two different types of fibres forming a carded layer bonded by hydroentanglement, chemical, or thermal bonding Preferably, the at least two different types of plant-derived fibre are cellulosic fibres and/or polylactic acid fibres. More preferably, the cellulosic fibres are selected from the group consisting of LENZINGTM Lyocell fibres, VeocelTM fibres, viscose fibres and wood pulp fibres. More preferably, the fibre mix is a blend of VeocelTM fibres with PLA fibres or PLA biocomponent fibres.

Preferably, the mixture of different plant-derived fibres and/or PLA are provided in a 5:95 to 95:5 ratio, more preferably 60:40-40:60 mix, especially a 50:50 mix.

Preferably, the fibres, especially those making up a first layer, are bonded via hydroentanglement at a suitable pressure, such as hydroentangled at a pressure of 15 -100 bar (1500000-10000000 Pa), preferably 20-50 bar (2000000-5000000 Pa), especially 20 bar (2000000 Pa) or by thermal bonding, preferably flat thermal bonding, more preferably by point bonding at the temperature >120°C, and 1 ton pressure, or by ultrasonic bonding or by chemical bonding.

The binder may be applied to at least the outer surface layer by any suitable means, such as by spraying, coating or impregnation, more preferably being applied by spraying. Preferably, the binder is sprayed onto an outer surface of the fabric at a pressure of 0.1-10.0 bar (10000-1000000 Pa), preferably 0.5-2 bar (50000 -200000 Pa), especially 0.7 bar (70000 Pa). It is preferable for the binder to be applied at a solid content concentration of 5-30 wt.%, more preferably 20 wt.%, especially 10 wt.%. Preferably, spraying of the binder onto the outer surface of the fabric provides 5-20 gm' binder add-on level, more preferably 5-15 gm".

An antimicrobial agent may be incorporated into the binder prior to its application to the fabric or applied onto the already sprayed binder by spraying or powder scattering or powder coating methods. Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is selected from chitosan or metal oxide nanoparticles, preferably zinc, silver or copper oxide nanoparticles. More preferably, the antimicrobial agent is a metal oxide nanoparticles incorporated onto the binder layer at a concentration of 1-10 % add-on, more preferably 1-6%, especially 3 96 add-on.

Preferably, drying of the fabric is carried out at a temperature of at least 80°C, more preferably 105°C for at least 2 minutes, more preferably at 140°C for 3 minutes.

The method according to the second aspect of the present invention may further comprise applying a second or subsequent layer to the blended layer.

In one embodiment, the method comprises blending the bicomponent PLA fibres with PLA and Veocel"" and/or viscose fibres, carded and thermally bonded at the temperature >120°C, preferably >130°C. The binder is sprayed onto one side of this fabric.

In another embodiment of a bilayer nonwoven fabric according to the invention, a blended layer of carded, point bonded nonwoven comprising biocomponent PLA fibres, VeocelTM and/or viscose fibres is laminated onto a PLA spunbound layer or a layer comprising wetlaid fibrillated lyocell fibres (LENZINGTM Lyocell fibrils) and optionally blended with wood pulp. A hydrophobic additive or treatment was added to the slurry, at a ratio of 4:1 to 6:1, more preferably 5:1 additive solid content to fibre weight. The wetlaid layer is dried, preferably at a temperature of at least 149°C for at least 5 minutes prior to lamination with the carded layer.

Optionally, the method may include lamination using a thermal method, with or without an adhesive layer, depending upon the fibre composition. The adhesive layer can include thermoplastic powder. The binder is applied on either the wetlaid or the PLA spunbond, depending on which one is laminated to the carded layer.

The LENZINGThi Lyocell Fibrils is wetlaid on its own or with addition of the wood pulp and/or PLA fibres or PLA bicomponent fibres at 95:5 to 5:95 ratio, preferably at 50:50. Preferably, the weight of the wetlaid fabric is 3-60 gm2, more preferably 5-30 gm-2, more preferably 10-25 gm-2. A hydrophobic additive or treatment may be added to the slurry, at a ratio of 4:1 to 6:1, more preferably 5:1 additive solid content to fibre weight. The wetlaid layer is dried, preferably at a temperature of at least 80°C prior to lamination with the carded layer.

In a further embodiment, the method applies at least one additional layer to provide at least a trilayer nonwoven fabric. More preferably, the blended carded layer is laminated onto a wetlaid fibrillated lyocell fibres (LENZING' Lyocell Fibrils) optionally mixed with wood pulp to form the second layer and these two layers are laminated with a PLA spunbound layer. Lamination may be carried out via thermal methods with the inclusion of an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can include thermoplastic powder. Preferably, the binder is sprayed onto this third PLA spunbound layer.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a bio-sustainable article formed from a nonwoven fabric according to the first aspect of the present invention The article may comprise a surgical article such as a surgical gown, a surgical drape or disposable bed sheets Definitions "Carding" in the context of this disclosure describes a mechanical process of separating individual fibres using a series of dividing and redividing steps, that causes many of the fibres to align in parallel to one another while also removing dust and impurities. Random fibre orientation can also be achieved using a specific carding machine. The layers of the carded fibres can be arranged into a parallel-laid or cross-laid layers to provide the required mechanical and physical properties of the consolidated nonwoven in machine and cross machine directions.

"Hydroentanglement" or spunlace" in the context of this disclosure relates to a bonding process for wet or dry fibrous webs made by either carding, airlaying or wetlaying, the resulting bonded fabric being a nonwoven Generally fine, high pressure jets of water are used to penetrate the web, hit a conveyor belt or wire and bounce back causing the fibres to entangle, thereby providing fabric integrity.

"Thermal bonding uses heat to melt thermoplastic powders or fibres to form thermal bonded nonw-ovens fabrics. Bonding can be accomplished at high speed with heated calendar rolls or ovens. There are numerous techniques available for carrying out thermal bonding, including through-air bonding, ultra-violet bonding, infra-red bonding, flat calender and point bonding calender bonding.

"Spunbound" relates to nonwoven fabrics that are made by extruding continuous filaments onto a moving belt. The filaments are spun and then directly dispersed into a web by deflectors or air streams, using any one of a number of spinning techniques but melt spinning is most widely used. The extruded filaments are solidified and drawn from the spinneret and deposited onto a conveyor belt, followed by web consolidation, whereby strength is provided to the web through mechanical, chemical or thermal bonding methods.

"Meltblown" refers to a fabric wherein a polymer melt is extruded through small nozzles surrounded by high speed blowing gas to form ultrafine filaments at the diameters <100 itm The randomly deposited filaments form a nonwoven sheet product "Bio-sustainable-means using natural resources responsibly so that they will be available for many generations. A bio-sustainable future requires consideration of meeting today's needs and protecting the environment and resources, by the use of biodegradable or recyclable materials to reduce waste and limit use of resources.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings and following examples, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a single layer nonwoven fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a double layer nonwoven fabric according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an alternative double layer nonwoven fabric according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a triple layer nonwoven fabric according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention.

The present invention relates to a novel nonwoven fabric that is particularly suitable for single-use, protective garments, such as surgical gowns and drapes. The fabric is made from bio-sustainable and/or biodegradable components and may also provide the additional benefits of providing an improved barrier to fluids and micro-organisms and enhanced comfort to the wearer.

The nonwoven fabric is provided from at least one layer of a carded and hydroentangled and/or thermally bonded, blend of at least two plant-derived fibres, such as the cellulosic Lyocell fibres, Veocel" and/or viscose and/or biodegradable polymer fibres such as polylactic acid (PLA) fibres. PLA is an environmentally friendly, plant-derived thermoplastic. The fabric is also provided with a biobased and/or biodegradable binder such as a urethane, polyester elastomer, biobased polyester, PLA and starch based binders and optionally includes an antimicrobial agent within the binder, for example plant-derived Chitosan or a metal oxide nanoparticles. One or more additional biodegradable layers may be included in the fabric, such as a layer of wetlaid wood pulp with other cellulosic fibres, a layer of PLA spunbond or a biodegradable film.

Some embodiments of the fabric structure are predominantly made using wetlaid or carding to deliver the required fabric attributes. This is in contrast to conventional surgical garment fabrics which use a Polypropylene spunbond-meltblown-spunbond fabric, with the meltblown fabric providing a barrier layer.

Thus, the present invention provides a nonwoven fabric construction made substantially of bio-sustainable and biodegradable fibres (e.g. cellulose derived and polylactic acid). A hydrophobic additive may be used to provide hydrophobicity to the wetlaid layer and therefore increase the bather properties. The biodegradable binder provides hydrophobicity to the outer surface as well as acting as a carrier for the metal oxide nanoparticles or chitosan which may be applied to the outer surface of the fabric providing additional anti-microbial activity without penetrating all the way through the fabric, thereby reducing any contact with the wearer and his microorganism flora. The biopolymer fibres make the nonwoven fabric fully biobased and biodegradable. The metal oxide nanoparticles provide anti-microbial activity. The nonwoven fabric has a high tensile strength, low linting, lightweight and is fluid resistant.

One embodiment of a nonwoven fabric 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. A single nonwoven web layer 2 was assembled by carding a fibre blend composed of VeocelTM, a man-made cellulose based fibre and bicomponent polylactic acid PLA (bicoPLA) fibres. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch such as from corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp. The VeocelTM and PLA fibres are blended in 50:50 ratio, being consolidated via hydroentanglement (2 x 50 bar or 5000000 Pa) and/or thermal bonding at minimum 120°C. A biodegradable binder 4 (represented by dots in Figure 1) consisting of urethane binder (such as SciTec ST6515), together with metal oxide nanoparticles (optional), were incorporated by spraying onto the outer surface at 0.7 bar (70000 Pa) and 20 wt.% solid content concentration to achieve a 15% binder and nanoparticles at 6% add-on level. The fabric was then dried at 105°C for 5 minutes.

The single layer nonwoven fabric may be used to provide a protective article, such as a surgical gown. The fabric provides an effective barrier to fluids and microorganisms while being relatively soft and permeable providing comfort to the wearer. The fabric is also bio-sustainable, being produced by plant based fibres that may be broken down to constituent components and re-used.

Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an alternative nonwoven fabric 10 according to the present invention. This embodiment is made up of two layers, a first layer 12 consisting of a blend of two types of plant-derived fibres, namely Veocellm and viscose fibres. Viscose fibres are also derived from wood or bamboo pulp. The second layer 16 consists of spunbound polylactic acid (PLA) having a binder 14 and, optionally, metal oxide nanoparticles sprayed onto an outer surface of the PLA.

The nonwoven web at 20 gm' was assembled by carding the fibre blend containing VeocelTM and viscose fibres in a 50:50 ratio. The carded web was then assembled with the 20 gm-2 polylactic acid spunbound fabric using hydroentanglement at 50 bar nonwoven pressure and/or thermal bonding at minimum 120°C. The binder 14, comprising SciTec ST6515 biodegradable urethane binder was sprayed onto the outer surface of the PLA spunbound to achieve 15% binder level, followed by incorporation of the metal oxide nanoparticles, such as silver or copper, at a concentration of 6% w/w via spraying The binder was sprayed at 0.7 bar (70000 Pa) pressure and 21 wt.% solid content concentration. The fabric was dried at 105°C for 5 minutes.

This provided a bio-sustainable nonwoven fabric that has a softer protective layer 12 that may be worn comfortably next to the skin with a barrier layer 16 that prevents fluid penetrating through to the softer layer and also provides some antibacterial activity.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an alternative embodiment of a two-layer nonwoven fabric 20 according to the present invention. This embodiment contains no PLA but has two cellulose-based nonwoven layers 22, 28 with the composite layer being provided with the binder 24 and, optionally, metal oxide nanoparticles.

The first layer 22 was a carded nonwoven web at 20 gm2 assembled from fibres containing Tencel® and viscose fibres in a ratio of 50:50. The first layer web was hydroentangled at 20 bar (200000 Pa) pressure or thermally bonded to provide a low level of entanglement and dimensional stability. The second layer 28 consisted of fibrillated cellulosic Lyocell wetlaid together with wood pulp fibres, where the Lyocell content was 22% and the wood pulp content was 78%. A hydrophobic additive (NeverWet) or other suitable treatment was added to the slurry, at a ratio of 4:1 to 6:1, more preferably 5:1 additive solid content to fibre weight. The fabric areal density was 32 gm2.The second fibre web was dried at 100°C for 5 minutes to achieve hydrogen bonding and then the wet laid 28 and carded layers 22 were assembled by hydroentanglement at 50 bar (5000000 Pa) pressure.

It is to be appreciated that the first layer and/or second layer may comprise other plant derived fibre compositions. For example, the second layer may be 100% fibrillated lyocell with 15 g/m2 areal density.

The binder 24, consisting of SciTec ST6515 biodegradable urethane binder 20 wt.% solid content concentration, was sprayed on to the wetlaid side 28 of the composite substrate to achieve a maximum of 5 gm" binder add-on optionally with metal oxide nanoparticles incorporated at 6% w/w by spraying. The binder and antimicrobial agent were sprayed at 0.7 bar (70000 Pa) pressure. The fabric was dried at 105°C for 5 minutes.

A further embodiment of a bio-sustainable nonwoven fabric material 100 is illustrated in Figure 4. This embodiment is a tri-layer arrangement more akin to conventional spunbound melt blown spunbound SMS fabric derived from petrochemical based substances that is conventionally used for disposable protective garments. However, this fabric is softer, bio-sustainable and provides enhanced protection against wetting and microorganisms. The fabric 100 is composed of two fibre layers 102, 108 with a PLA spunbond layer 106 including the binder 104.

The first fibre layer 102 was a nonwoven fabric at 20 gm' containing Tencel® and bicomponent PLA fibres in a ratio of 50:50. The second layer 108 consisted of 100% Lenzing fibrillated. The second fibre web was dried at I00°C for 5 minutes to achieve hydrogen bonding and then these two layers were laminated with 20 gm" polylactic acid (PLA) spunbound fabric via hydroentanglement at 50 bar (5000000 Pa) pressure The binder 104, consisting of SciTec ST6515 biodegradable urethane binder 20 wt.% solid content concentration, was sprayed on to the wet laid side 106 of the composite substrate to achieve a maximum of 5 gm' binder add-on optionally with metal oxide nanoparticles were incorporated at 6% w/w by spraying The binder and antimicrobial agent were sprayed at 0.7 bar (70000 Pa) pressure. The fabric was dried at 100°C for 3 minutes The Examples below provide further details of web formation, web bonding, composition and treatment for a number of embodiments of nonwoven fabrics according to the invention Example 1: Single Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

Web Formation: Carding Web Bonding: Hydroentanglement; chemical bonding; thermal bonding (through air, flat calendaring, point bond calendaring), ultrasonic bonding.

Total 20-100 g.m-2, preferably 30-60 g.m-2; especially 40-50 Composition: VeocelTM and viscose fibres, or VeocelTm, PLA and viscose fibres, or VeocelTM, PLA bicomponent, and viscose fibres, or VeocelTM, PLA, and PLA bicomponent, or viscose. PLA, and PLA bicomponent fibres.

The blend preferably comprises one type of plant-derived fibres blended with PLA fibres in a ratio 5:95 to 95:5, more preferably 50:50.

The PLA fibres can be also a blend of PLA and PLA bicomponent fibres with ratio 5:95 to 95:5, more preferably 50:50 Treatment: Binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating).

The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 10-20% add on.

The antimicrobial agent is applied at 1-15% add on, more preferably 1-6% Example 2: Double Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

A single layer as described in Example 1 above was prepared but without the binder/additive applied to it. A second layer was then applied to this layer as detailed below: Web Forming/bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 g.m-2, especially 15-30 g.m-2.

Treatment: Binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating) The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 2-7% add on.

Example 3: Double Layer Nonwoven Fabric A single layer as described in Example 1 above was prepared but without the binder/additive applied to it. A second layer was then applied to this layer as detailed below: Web Formation: Wetlaid, Web Bonding: Hydrogen, chemically or thermally bonded.

Total 3-60 g.m-2, preferably 5-30 g.m-2, especially 10-25 g.m-2 Composition: LENZINGTM Lyocell Fibrils, which can be blended with wood pulp and/or PLA or PLA bicomponent fibres.

Treatment: The blend preferably contains 100% fibrils, however, can be blended with wood pulp and/or 95:5 to 5:95 ratio, and more preferably 50:50.

Hydrophobic binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating) The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 2-7% add on. The antimicrobial agent is applied at 1-15% add on, more preferably 1-6%.

Example 4: Double Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

A nonwoven double layer fabric was made from the following layers: Layer!: Web Formation: Wetlaid, Web Bonding: Hydrogen, chemically or thermally bonded.

Total: 3-60 gm', preferably 5-30 g.m-2, especially 10-25 g.m-2 Composition: LENZIINGIM Lyocell Fibrils, which can be blended with wood pulp and/or PLA or PLA bicomponent fibres.

The blend preferably contains 100% fibrils, however, can be blended with wood pulp and/or 95:5 to 5:95 ratio, and more preferably 50:50.

Treatment: Hydrophobic binder/additive optionally applied (spraying, impregnation, coating) Laver 2: Web Forming/bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 gm', especially 15-30 g-m-2.

Treatment: Binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating) The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 2-7% add on. The anti-microbial agent is applied at 1-15% add on, more preferably 1-6%.

Example 5: Double Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

A single layer as described in Example 1 above was prepared but without the binder/additive applied to it then a second layer as applied to it as detailed below: Web bonding: Permeable PLA film Preferably 5-30 g.m-2, most preferably 15-25 g.m-2.

Example 6: Triple Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

A single layer as described in Example 1 above was prepared but without the binder/additive applied to it A second and third layer were then applied to it as detailed below: Layer 2: Web Formation: Wetlaid.

Web Bonding: Hydrogen, chemically or thermally bonded.

Total: 3-60 gm 2, -, preferably 5-30 gm 2, especially 10-25 gm-Composition: LENZINGTM Lyocell Fibrils, which can be blended with wood pulp and/or PLA or PLA bicomponent fibres.

Hydrophobic binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating). The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 2-7% add on. The antimicrobial agent is applied at 1-15% add on, more preferably 1-6% Layer 3: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 grm-2, especially 15-30 g.m-2.

Web Forming/bonding: Binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating) The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 2-7% add on. The anti-microbial agent is applied at 1-15% add on, more preferably 1-6%.

Treatment: Example 7: Triple Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

Layer!: Web Bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 gm-2, especially 15-30 gma-2 Treatment: None applied Layer 2: Web Formation: Wetlaid.

Web Bonding: Hydrogen, chemically or thermally bonded.

Total: 3-60 g 2, preferably 5-30 gm-2, especially 10-25 gm-2 Composition: LENZINGTM Lyocell Fibrils, which can be blended with wood pulp and/or PLA or PLA bicomponent fibres.

Treatment: None applied.

Layer 3: Web Bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 gm-2, especially 15-30 g.m-2 Treatment: Binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating) The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 2-7% add on. The anti-microbial agent is applied at 1-15% add on, more preferably 1-6%.

Example 8: Triple Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

A single layer as described in Example 1 above was prepared but without the binder/additive applied to it. A second and third layer were then applied to it as detailed below: Layer 2: Film: Perm eabl e PT,A Preferably 5-30 g.m-2, most preferably 15-25 gm-2.

Treatment: None applied.

Laver 3: Web Forming/bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 gm', especially 15-30 g.m-2-.

Example 9: Triple Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

Layer 1: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 g.m-2, especially 15-30 g.m-2.

Web Forming/bonding: None applied.

Treatment: Layer 2: Film: Permeable PLA film.

Preferably 15-25 gm-2, most preferably 8-22 gm-2.

Treatment: None applied.

Laver 3: Web Bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 8.m-2, especially 15-30 g.m -Treatment: Binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating) The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 2-7% add on. The anti-microbial agent is applied at 1-15% add on, more preferably 1-6%.

Example 10: Triple Layer Nonwoven Fabric.

A single layer as described in Example 1 above was prepared but without the binder/additive applied to it. Second and third layers were then applied to it as detailed below: Layer 2: Web Bonding: Meltblown PLA layer. Preferably 3-60 g.m-2, especially 3-15 g.m-2.

Treatment: None applied.

Layer 3: Web Bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 g.m-2, especially 15-30 Treatment: Binder/additive applied (spraying, impregnation, coating) The binder add on levels are from 1-50%, preferably 2-7% add on. The anti-microbial agent is applied at 1-15% add on, more preferably 1-6%.

Example 11: Triple Layer Nonwoven Fabric. Layer!: Web Bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 g.m-2, especially 15-30 Treatment: None applied.

Laver 2: Web Bonding: Meltblown PLA layer. Preferably 3-60 gh-12, especially 3-15 Treatment: None applied.

Layer 3: Web Bonding: Spunbond PLA layer. Preferably 15-60 g.m-2, especially 15-30 g.m-2.

The nonwoven fabric according to the present invention has many properties that make it particularly suitable for use in the production of protective garments, such as surgical gowns and drapes. The fabric has high tensile strength, softness, comfort, breathability, wearability, and is also lightweight. Typical commercially available gowns have a skin layer made of petrochemical based spunbond fabric. The present fabric benefits from nonwoven cellulosic fibres on one surface of the fabric which may form an inner skin-contacting surface of a garment which has improved softness and tactile comfort.

The outer layer acts as a water-repellent and as a barrier against bacteria, blood and other liquids. The present invention uses a process of incorporating the antimicrobial product into a biodegradable binder, such as a urethane binder. The surface application of the binder with the antimicrobial product on to the fabric surface prevents the metal oxide nanoparticles/chitosan from being in contact with the user and provides maximum opportunity to be in contact with surface micro-organisms which come in contact with the fabric Furthermore, the plant-derived fibres used in its production enable the constituent parts to be recovered and recycled or biodegraded, for example by mechanical recycling, organic recycling and energy recovery. This represents a significant environmental advancement given the vast quantities of protective surgical gear that are disposed of worldwide on a daily basis. In this respect, single use personal protective equipment, although still infectious, is classified as orange bag waste and therefore does not have to be incinerated. Recycling of the constituent parts will enable a reduction in carbon emission in relation to this type of equipment.

Claims

Claims 1. A nonwoven fabric comprising: at least one layer comprising plant-derived fibres and/or biodegradable polymer fibres, and at least one biodegradable and/or biobased binder applied to at least an intended outer surface of the fabric 2 The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim I wherein at least one layer comprises a carded hydroentangled and/or thermally bonded nonwoven made up from plant-derived fibres and/or a biobased or biodegradable polymer fibres with at least one barrier layer composed of a wetlaid cellulose-based fibrils, optionally blended with biodegradable polymer fibres and/or plant-derived fibres, or PLA meltblown layer, or a permeable PLA film 3. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 2 further comprising one or more layers of a spunbond fabric composed of biodegradable polymer filaments.4. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises: at least one layer of a carded hydroentangled and/or chemically, and/or thermally bonded blend of at least one type of plant-derived fibres, preferably at least two types, and/or at least one type of biodegradable polymer fibre; and at least one biodegradable binder applied to at least an intended outer surface of the fabric.5. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in any one of claims I to 4 wherein the plant-derived fibres are cellulosic fibres which are selected from the group consisting of LENZTh4GIM Lyocell Fibfres, VeocelTM fibres, viscose fibres and wood pulp.6. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the biodegradable polymer fibres are polylactic acid fibres.7. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein the blend comprises a carded nonwoven mix of Veocell'i and polylactic acid fibres and/or bicomponent PLA/PLA fibres 8. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein the blend comprises a carded nonwoven mix of VeocelTM and viscose fibres or VeocelTM, viscose fibres, and PLA, or VeocelTM and/or viscose fibres and PLA bicomponent, or VeocelTM, PLA, and PLA bicomponent, or viscose, PLA, and PLA bicomponent.9. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein at least one layer comprises one type of plant-derived fibres blended with PLA fibres in a ratio of 5:95 to 95:5, preferably in a ratio 40:60 to 60:40, especially 50:50.10. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one biodegradable binder is selected from a polyester elastomer, biobased polyester, PLA, starch based binders and urethane binder, preferably being a urethane binder.11 The nonwoven fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an antimicrobial agent is provided in the binder wherein the binder acts as a carrier for the agent, the antimicrobial agent preferably being selected from chitosan or metal oxide nanoparticles.12 The nonwoven fabric as claimed in any preceding claims further comprising two or more layers of plant derived or biodegradable polymer fibres 13. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 12 wherein a second layer is provided comprising a PLA spunbond layer, preferably wherein the binder is applied onto this layer.14. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 12 wherein a second layer is provided comprising a wetlaid fibrillated lyocell fibres (LENZIINGTM Lyocell Fibrils) optionally blended with wood pulp and/or PLA or PLA biocomponent fibres.15. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 12 wherein a second layer is provided comprising a PLA meltblown layer or a film of biobased or biodegradable polymer, preferably PLA.16. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 12 wherein the fabric comprises a second layer selected from the group consisting of wetlaid LENZING' Lyocell Fibrils, optionally blended with wood pulp and/or PLA or PLA biocomponent fibres; a PLA meltblown layer or a biodegradable polymer laminated film layer; the fabric further comprising a third layer comprising a PLA spunbond layer, preferably, wherein the PLA spunbond layer forms the outer layer with the binder applied onto this layer.17. The nonwoven fabric as claimed in claim 12 wherein the fabric comprises a second layer comprising a permeable biodegradable polymeric film, preferably a PLA breathable film, and a third layer of PLA spunbond having binder applied to this layer.18. A method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: assembling into a nonwoven blend of fibres comprising at least one type of plant-derived fibre and/or biodegradable polymer fibres, using at least one type of nonwoven technology to form at least one fabric layer, applying a biodegradable binder onto an intended outer surface of a nonwoven fabric comprising the at least one layer of plant-derived fibres and/or biodegradable polymer fibres; and drying the fabric 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the at least one layer of nonwoven fabric is assembled by one or more of carding, wet laying, hydroentanglement, mechanical, chemical and/or thermal bonding.20. The method of claim 18 or 19 further including a spunbond layer of a biobased biodegradable polymer fibres, preferably PLA 21. The method of claim 18, 19 or 20 further comprising lamination of the nonwoven layers to form a multi-layer structure, optionally using adhesive.22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein the binder is applied to at least the outer surface layer by spraying, coating or impregnation, preferably by spraying 23. A sustainable article formed from a nonwoven fabric according to any one of claims I to 17, preferably wherein the article is a surgical article selected from a surgical gown, a surgical drape or disposable bed sheet.24. A nonwoven fabric obtained or obtainable by the method of any one of claims 18 to 22