New approach for improving antibacterial functions of cotton fabric

Abstract

This paper investigates imparting antibacterial properties to cotton fabric via introducing hydantoin groups in/onto the cellulose structure using a new hydantoin derivative followed by chlorination to get the N-halamine biocidal groups. The antibacterial functions of the treated fabric samples are determined by the extent of modification, amount, and availability of the additional active sites, nature of bacteria, as well as number of repeated washing cycles. The biocidal effect is high and follows the descending order: Bacillus subtilis > Escherichia coli microorganisms and can be rechargeable by post-treatment with dilute chlorine solution. © Sage Publications 2008.