How does acrylic fabric’s resistance to microbial growth compare to silver-ion treated polyester?

Acrylic fabric and silver-ion treated polyester are both popular choices for textiles requiring antimicrobial properties, but their resistance to microbial growth differs significantly. Acrylic fabric naturally resists microbial growth due to its synthetic composition, which lacks organic materials that bacteria and fungi thrive on. However, it doesn’t actively kill microbes.

Silver-ion treated polyester, on the other hand, incorporates silver ions that actively inhibit and destroy bacteria, mold, and mildew. This makes it more effective in high-moisture or high-contact environments like sportswear or medical textiles. While acrylic offers decent passive resistance, silver-ion polyester provides proactive protection.

For long-term antimicrobial performance, silver-ion polyester outperforms acrylic, especially in demanding applications. However, acrylic remains a cost-effective option for less intensive uses where microbial growth is a minor concern.