Fabrication of cotton fabrics through in-situ reduction of polymeric N-halamine modified graphene oxide with enhanced ultraviolet-blocking, self-cleaning, and highly efficient, and monitorable antibacterial properties

In this study, graphene oxide modified polymeric N-halamine precursor was coated onto cotton fabrics through a conventional dipping-drying method. The functionalized cotton fabrics were in-situ reduced by treating with L-ascorbic acid. The coated cotton fabrics were then treated with household bleach for enhanced antibacterial activity. After chlorination, the coated cotton fabrics showed an UPF value of 132, and the value increased after oxidative chlorine being consumed. The coated fabrics were also endowed with great hydrophobicity, with values higher than 140 degrees, indicating great self-cleaning ability. The chlorinated fabrics could completely inactivate inoculated S. aureus and E. coil 0157:H7 within 1 min and 5 min with 5.07 and 5.18 log reductions, respectively. Due to the proportional relationship of the electrical conductivity and chlorine content of the cotton/rGO-PSPH-Cl fabric, the electrical conductivity of cotton/rGO-PSPH-Cl fabric can be used for monitoring the antimicrobial activity.