Optimizing rechargeable antimicrobial performance of cotton fabric coated with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH)

In this study cotton fabric was coated with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH), followed by chlorination with sodium hypochlorite to impart antimicrobial properties and functions. An orthogonal array testing strategy was employed for obtaining the optimum treatment condition. After coating and chlorination, cotton fabrics were characterized with different methods. Ultraviolet spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used to observe the properties of cotton fabric after finishing, such as concentration of chlorine on cotton fabric, morphological properties of the surface of cotton fabric and functional groups on the cotton fabric. The results showed that cotton fabric coated with DMH followed with chlorination has antimicrobial properties that are able to resist S. aureus and this property is rechargeable.