The Biomodification of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) by Bacilli.

A kind of bacilli (Bacillus X) were isolated from the waste water of PET processing plants and was domesticated with terephthalic acid(TA) making it more efficient to biodegrade phenyl. Experiments found out the best culture condition and temperature for bacilli X. Bacilli X were used to modify PET fabrics under the best culture condition and temperature. The experiment results showed that after modification, the strength of the fabrics declined at a certain extent; but its hydrophile, antistatic property, dyeing and anti-pilling property was improved incoordinately. In one word, biomodification may serve as a new effective approach for the modification of PET fabrics in the near future, endowing PET fabrics more wearing comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]