Antibacterial properties of functional polyamide 6.6

Abstract

Polyamide 6.6 multifilaments are grafted with the monomer N-allyliminodiacetic acid for the purpose of removal of some heavy metal ions from their aqueous solutions by forming its metal chelate especially with Ag+ ion. Such a fibrous chelate-forming resin has been used with success due to its large surface area, which contains an important metal chelate-forming functional group, where metal ions are adsorbed or desorbed on its surface, and therefore having an improved adsorption and desorption capability. In previous work, chelate-forming fibre was characterised by ICP-AES analysis according to the digestion method by microwave. The antibacterial activity of the prepared fibre is investigated with Escherichia coli bacteria as reference, according to the zone of inhibition method in agar medium. The material used as reference without metal does not present any effect on E. coli. However, the chelateforming fibres with Ag+ have a strong bactericidal effect, even with a low concentration of silver ions. These modified materials can be used as highly effective bactericidal composites that may be used in future applications for the production of antimicrobial textiles, papers or polymer materials. © AUTEX.