How to make copper infused fiber

How to make copper-infused fibers that are super strong at killing fungus and keeping it permanently?

The use of copper-infused fiber is currently a popular trend, and the industry is experiencing a boom in its application in medical, hotel, and sports contexts. This includes the use of copper-infused fiber in socks.

At Copperfinger Socks, our goal is to provide socks that manage fungus by maximizing their antimicrobial properties. We achieve this by increasing the copper content. However, we faced another obstacle: how to maintain these properties after washing the socks.

We like copper socks because they kill bacteria, but we don't want them to wash away after doing laundry. Socks are not supposed to be a soap.

Developing socks that kill fungus permanently requires new textiles infused with real copper, rather than just coating them with copper.

Luckily, we were able to partner with Voltlon, the leading copper-infused textile manufacturer in Korea.

I am about to reveal their secret recipes of copper infusing technology.

 

How to make copper-infused fiber that does not washed out after washing.

described is commonly known as "electrospinning" or "electrospinning of copper fibers

To make copper fibers, we can use special chemicals called copper salts like copper acetate or copper nitrate. These salts are like powders that can dissolve in liquids. We mix them with a liquid called a solvent, which helps to dissolve the copper salts.

After we dissolve the copper salts in the solvent, we have a special liquid solution that contains copper ions. This solution is ready to be used for making the copper fibers.

It is very similar to Coca Cola. Coca Cola is a very cold caramel that you can drink.

Once we have the copper salt dissolved in the solvent, we're ready for the next step. We use a special process called electrospinning.

 

The magic of turning liquid copper into copper fiber.

To make copper fibers, we use a special needle called a spinneret. We connect the spinneret to a container that holds the copper liquid using a tube or syringe.

When we turn on the machine, the copper liquid flows through the tube and into the spinneret.

Now, the exciting part begins! We apply a strong electric voltage to the spinneret, creating an electric field around it. It's like a special force around the needle.

Because of this electric field, the copper liquid forms a pointy shape at the tip of the spinneret, called a Taylor cone.

As the electric field gets stronger, the copper liquid shoots out of the Taylor cone as a thin stream.

While the stream of copper liquid moves away from the spinneret, it dries up very quickly. This happens because of the electric field and the air around it, which make the liquid evaporate fast.

As the liquid dries, the copper particles come together and form solid copper fibers.

We collect solid copper fibers on a plate, where they adhere and can be gathered in bunches or arranged in various patterns.If it sounds complicated, think about a microwave. Both use an electromagnetic field.

We now have copper fiber, which is 100% copper. Although it is not shiny due to its fibrous nature, it still retains its antimicrobial properties.