Durable and Rechargeable Biocidal Polypropylene Polymers and Fibers Prepared by Using Reactive Extrusion

Incorporation of N-halamine precursor onto polypropylene was explored by using a reactive extrusion process. Several cyclic and acyclic halamine precursors were grafted onto polypropylene backbone through a melt free radical graft copolymerization. The structures and morphology of the grafted polymer were characterized with FTIR, and scanning electron microscope. Thermal properties of the polymers were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry. The halogenated products of the corresponding grafted samples exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, and the antimicrobial properties were durable and regenerable. The relationship between effective surface contact and biocidal efficacy are further discussed. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals. Inc. J Biomed Matter Res Part B: Appl Biomater 89B: 93-101, 2009