Antimicrobial polypropylene loaded by cubic cuprous oxide micro particles

Abstract

RECENTLY, nanotechnology of metals and their oxides is increased and became important for production of antimicrobial textiles. In situ synthesis of micro cuprous oxide particles (Cu2O), 1-30 mM/L onto non-woven polypropylene and study the antimicrobial activity were investigated. Cu2O micro particles were prepared by chemical method using copper sulphate pentahydrate, sodium hydroxide and glucose as a reducing agent at 90o C for 2 hrs, followed by pad-dry-cure at 150°C for 5min. Cu2O content onto PP was estimated before and after five washings and drying. Characterization of Cu2O Micro particles onto PP was done by XRD, SEM, EDX and which had revealed the presence of Cu2O micro particles in cubic shape, with face dimeter 0.6-0.8μm. Characterization of polypropylene color before and after Cu2O treatment was determined at γmax 410 nm using the colorimetric data (L∗, a∗, b∗, δE) and the color strength ( K/S). The antimicrobial activity of treated PP against pathogenic microbes such S. aureus, E. coliand C. albicans was evaluated after 24 hrs contact time and gave very good antimicrobial results.