Preparation of antibacterial polyester–cotton absorbents; the effects of star-shaped functional oligomers.

Antibacterial absorbent fabrics were prepared through by the immersion of polyester polyester–cotton fabrics in a soaking media, containing novel functional acrylic monomers and various antibacterial agents. 2-acrylamido 2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and a novel functional star-shaped oligomer (FSO) were used as monomers for inducing the absorbency and compatibility to the fabric. FSO in two steps and employing condensation reaction between glycerol and lactic acid via multi-step microwave irradiation was synthesized. Bio-based materials, such as gallic acid and tannic acid, were used as antibacterial agents to induce antibacterial activity to the cotton fabric. ATR-FTIR, H NMR, SEM, contact angle, as well as antibacterial activity, absorbency in distilled water and saline solution have been employed for further evaluation. The swelling capacity of the modified absorbent fabric H1 (AMPS/FSO: 50:/50 wt%) was up to 21.1 g/g−1 in distilled water, and 6.1 g/g−1 in saline solution. Antibacterial properties tests of these absorbent fabrics showed a good antibacterial behavior, against Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]