Antibacterial Effects of a Carbon Nitride (CN) Layer Formed on Non-Woven Polypropylene Fabrics Using the Modified DC-Pulsed Sputtering Method

In the present study, the surface of non-woven polypropylene (NW-PP) fabric was modified to form CN layers using a modified DC-pulsed (frequency: 60 kHz, pulse shape: square) sputtering with a roll-to-roll system. After plasma modification, structural damage in the NW-PP fabric was not observed, and the C-C/C-H bonds on the surface of the NW-PP fabric converted into C-C/C-H, C-N(CN), and C=O bonds. The CN-formed NW-PP fabrics showed strong hydrophobicity for H2O (polar liquid) and full-wetting characteristics for CH2I2 (non-polar liquid). In addition, the CN-formed NW-PP exhibited an enhanced antibacterial characteristic compared to NW-PP fabric. The reduction rate of the CN-formed NW-PP fabric was 89.0% and 91.6% for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538, Gram-positive) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC4352, Gram-negative), respectively. It was confirmed that the CN layer showed antibacterial characteristics against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The reason for the antibacterial effect of CN-formed NW-PP fabrics can be explained as the strong hydrophobicity due to the CH3 bond of the fabric, enhanced wetting property due to CN bonds, and antibacterial activity due to C=O bonds. Our study presents a one-step, damage-free, mass-productive, and eco-friendly method that can be applied to most weak substrates, allowing the mass production of antibacterial fabrics.

Automated summary

In this study, the surface of non-woven polypropylene (NW-PP) fabric was modified to form carbon-nitrogen (CN) layers using a modified DC-pulsed sputtering technique. The CN-formed NW-PP fabrics exhibited strong hydrophobicity and full-wetting characteristics. Additionally, the CN-formed NW-PP showed enhanced antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The study presents a one-step, damage-free, mass-productive, and eco-friendly method for the mass production of antibacterial fabrics.