Surface modification and smart functionalization of polyester-containing fabrics

Antibacterial activities and UV-blocking properties of polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) containing fabrics are easily achieved by surface modification via alkaline hydrolysis, to generate surface carboxyl groups on polyester component, followed by treatment with certain basic dyes, metal salts, or antibiotic. The results showed that the improvement in antibacterial activities and anti-UV-B protection properties are governed by the type of substrate (polyester > polyester/viscose > polyester/cotton), the pretreatment history (alkali-treated > untreated), and type of basic dye (C.I. Basic Blue 9 > C.I. Basic Red 24). On the other hand, the extent of improvement in both the antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and the UV-protection properties are governed by the nature of loaded metal ion and followed the decreasing orders (Zn > Cu) and (Cu > Zn), respectively. Additionally, the results proved that post-treatment of modified substrates with Doxymycin® antibiotic brings about a significant enhancement in antibacterial activity along with an improvement in the UV-blocking properties regardless of the used substrate. After 10 washing cycles, the imparted functional properties show some reduction. Possible reaction mechanisms have been given.