Synthesis of an N-halamine monomer and its application in antimicrobial cellulose via an electron beam irradiation process

N-halamine derivatives are efficient antibacterial agents and have been widely used in different kinds of surfaces due to their biocidal functions against a broad range of microorganisms, long term stabilities and regenerable properties. In this study, 3-(3′-acrylicacidpropylester)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin was synthesized and bonded onto cotton fabric by an electron beam irradiation process. Upon exposure to household bleach, the coated cotton sample could be rendered antibacterial. SEM, FTIR and EDX were used to characterize the surface of modified cotton which confirmed that the N-halamine precursor was coated on the cotton successfully. The chlorinated cotton samples were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 and showed excellent biocidal efficacy by inactivating 100 % of the bacteria with the contact times of 10 and 5 min, respectively. Standard washing and UV irradiation tests demonstrated that the coated cotton presented remarkable regenerable properties. The tensile loss was about 20 %, which is in an acceptable range in antimicrobial finishing.