Killer Kevlar -- clothing that shields from germs

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Researchers have developed a process to coat Kevlar with germ-fighting agents including antibacterial and antiviral substances. Above is coated Kevlar fabric exposed to a fungus called Candida tropicalis. Courtesy of the American Chemical Society
Researchers have developed a process to coat Kevlar with germ-fighting agents, including antibacterial and antiviral substances. Above is coated Kevlar fabric exposed to a fungus called Candida tropicalis. Courtesy of the American Chemical Society

Protective clothing worn by firemen and other emergency workers may soon get a germ-fighting upgrade. Researchers in South Dakota report progress toward the first Kevlar fabrics that can kill a wide range of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and the spores that cause anthrax. Their study is scheduled for the August 6 issue of ACS' Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research.


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