Optimization of application procedure for fixation of monocationic salt onto cotton with antibacterial activity

A novel application procedure for imparting antibacterial properties onto cotton is described. The modified cotton was obtained by polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) with 1,4-diazabicyclo(2,2,2)octane monocationic salt (MS) derivative in the presence of the free radical initiators sodium bisulfite and potassium persulfate. Out of the four application protocols tested, use of an exhaustion procedure to fix MS onto cotton gave optimal results. Dyeing of the modified cotton with C.I. Direct Blue 225 did not require salt, thereby indirectly confirming fixation of the cationic MS. Antibacterial activity was completely retained after three washing cycles when tested with Klebsiella pneumoniae but to a lesser extent against Staphylococcus aureus. The mechanical properties of the modified cotton were unaltered.