Antimicrobial Polymeric Materials; Cellulose and m- Aramid Composite Fibers

Abstract

Cellulose and m-aramid were dissolved in an ionic liquid, and dry-jet wet spinning was employed to prepare composite fibers which could be rendered antimicrobial through exposure to chlorine bleach. The small domains of the m-aramid allowed a much higher accessibility and degree of chlorination than has been reported even for 100% m-aramid fibers. The mechanical properties including denier, tenacity, and strain at break were evaluated. The chlorinated composite fiber inactivated both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial activity was retained after repeated washing and recharging.