Antimicrobial functions on cellulose materials introduced by anthraquinone vat dyes

Many anthraquinone compounds have exhibited light-active properties in solutions and on materials under UVA or fluorescent light exposure. Two anthraquinone derivatives were incorporated onto cotton fabrics by a vat dyeing process. The dyed fabrics demonstrated light-induced biocidal functions, and the functions were durable against laundering and long-term light exposure. The structures and surface morphologies of the dyed fabrics were examined by using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties of the fabrics were measured by using a tensile tester. The results revealed that the anthraquinone compounds have different light-activities, resulting in different surface and mechanical impacts on the cotton cellulose.