Polyurethane elastomer yams (particularly spandex) containing certain
silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein are provided. This
invention relates to polyurethane elastomer yams (particularly spandex)
containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein. Such
formulations comprise antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably,
triclosan and/or silver-containing ion-exchange resins, such as zirconium
phosphate, glass, and/or zeolite compounds. The inventive spandex yarns
exhibit excellent antimicrobial qualities as well as surprisingly good
anti-tack/frictional characteristics. As a result, antimicrobial spandex
yams are provided which exhibit ease in processing, particularly in
further knitting, weaving, etc., to produce fabrics therefrom. Such
fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.