Durable antibacterial cotton fabric fabricated using a "self-created" mist polymerization device

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Traditional antibacterial cotton fabrics suffer from poor durability and degradation of inherent properties after finishing.
• Existing limitations restrict the widespread application of antibacterial textiles in various sectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for creating durable antibacterial cotton fabric.
• To enhance the antibacterial efficacy and wash durability of cotton textiles.
• To preserve the inherent properties of cotton fabric during antibacterial treatment.

Main Methods:

• Cotton fabric was treated with acryloyl chloride (AC) to introduce carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C).
• The [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (DMES) monomer was polymerized onto the C=C bonds via the "grafting through" method.
• Mist polymerization technology was employed to ensure minimal impact on the fabric's original characteristics.

Main Results:

• Successful grafting of poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (PDMES) onto cotton fabric via covalent bonds.
• Achieved bacterial reduction (BR) rates exceeding 99.0% against E. coli and S. aureus.
• Maintained high BR rates (>96.0%) against both bacteria even after 50 washing cycles.
• Preserved the inherent properties of the cotton fabric to a significant extent.

Conclusions:

• The developed method yields cotton fabric with excellent and durable antibacterial properties.
• The antibacterial cotton fabric retains its original characteristics, making it suitable for diverse applications.
• This innovative antibacterial cotton fabric holds significant potential for industrial and household textile manufacturing.