Antimicrobial Polypropylene Loaded by Silver Nano Particles

Abstract

Nowadays antimicrobial polypropylene fabrics are increased due to incorporation of nano metals and metal oxides during their production. In situ, synthesis of silver nano particles onto non-woven polypropylene (PP) fabric bearing antimicrobial properties was investigated. Silver nanoparticles were prepared by chemical method using silver nitrate, concentrations 5–40 m mole/l, sodium hydroxide and glucose as a reducing agent at 90 °C for 2 hrs. Then, padding, drying and curing the PP treated fabric at 150 °C for 5 min was carried out. Silver nano particles dispersed onto PP was estimated before and after five washings. Characterization of silver nano particles was investigated by, XRD, SEM and EDX, which revealed the presence of silver nanoparticles in the size range 20–40 nm. PP color for untreated and silver treated samples was evaluated at λmax 400 nm using colorimetric data L*, a*, b and colour strength (K/S). The antimicrobial activity of PP treated fabric against some microorganisms such as S. aureus, E. coli and C. candida was evaluated after 24 hrs contact time and proved to be highly effective with excellent results.