Preparation of Novel Biocidal N-Halamine Polymers

The preparation and biocidal efficacies of eight new N-halamine polymers have been reported. The polymers are in the classes known as dichlorohydantoins, trichlorotriazinediones, and dichloropyrimidinones. They were synthesized from the commercial polymers polystyrene, poly(methyl vinyl ketone), and polymethacrylamide. All of the polymers were insoluble in water and leached only small amounts (less than 0.5 mg/L) of free chlorine into flowing water. It was demonstrated that the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus in water flowing through filters made of these polymers was inactivated. These materials show considerable commercial potential as biocidal water filters, especially the dichloro-poly(styrene-hydantoin) because of its inexpensive synthetic route.