Preparation of N-halamine antibacterial cotton fabrics via electron beam irradiation

A Co-irradiation process was employed for antibacterial finishing of cotton fabrics using an N-halamine antiseptic, (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (AAPTAC), as the monomer. The effect of the absorbed dose on the chlorine content and breaking strength were studied. The results showed that the chlorine content and breaking strength of the treated fabrics increased and decreased, respectively, with the increasing absorbed doses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved that AAPTAC was successfully grafted onto the cotton fiber. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surfaces of the Co-irradiated process-treated cotton fabrics were covered by layers. When the absorbed dose was 43.3 kGy, the treated cotton fabrics after chlorination could kill 100% of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O 157 : H7 within 5 min of contact time. (authors)