Studies of PET nonwovens modified by novel antimicrobials configured with both -halamine and dual quaternary ammonium with different alkyl chain length.

This work describes the synthesis of novel antimicrobial agents consisting of -halamine and dual quaternary ammonium with different alkyl chain lengths and their antimicrobial applications for PET nonwovens. The antimicrobial agents were grafted onto PET nonwovens esterification with a crosslinker, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA). The cyclic amide structure in the antimicrobial agents could be easily converted to -halamine after immersion in a diluted chlorine bleach solution. Variations in surface chemical composition of the modified PET nonwovens were examined by XPS. Antimicrobial activities of the nonwovens/fabrics were tested against (Gram-positive) and (Gram-negative) strains. Systematic investigation showed the antibacterial activities were dependent upon the alkyl chain length. The synergism of -halamine and dual quaternary ammonium could lead to significant antimicrobial activity with inactivation of up to 90% of and after 10 minute contact. This work suggested that the novel composite biocides with -halamine and dual quaternary ammonium groups and the associated surface modification methods could be of use for further developing antimicrobial nonwoven applications.