Development of durable antibacterial nylon fabrics with potential application for Wig - A patient's need

ABSTRACT

Objectives:Nylon fiber is a synthetic polymer that possesses outstanding physical and chemical properties such as good strength, flexibility, and air permeability. Nylon fiber has been widely used worldwide for various products including bedding, wipes, clothing, surgical gowns, wig, etc. The outbreak of COVID-19 boosts a surge in consumer demand for antibacterial fabrics that have the ability of resistance to bacteria attack because textile materials are good medium for microorganism growth and breeding. The present study thus aims to develop a durable antibacterial nylon fabric that could be used as wig against householdwashing. Thiswig would provide a solution for patients need chemotherapy to increase their self-confidence. Methods: The method of pad-dry-cure process was used to treat the nylon fabric samples. The N1 finishing formulation was prepared by adding binder and cationic antibacterial agent to deionized water. N2 finishing solution was prepared by mixing binder and inorganic antibacterial agent in deionized water. The sample was first padded with the pre-prepared finishing formulation. Afterwards, the sample was dried in an oven at 100oC for 2 min and then cured at 150oC for 1 min. After antibacterial finishing, the samples were washed with shampoo for different cycles at room temperature. Each cycle lasts 1 min. Finally, the antibacterial property of treated samples was qualitatively conducted against gram-positive S. aureus and gram-negative K. pneumoniae according to AATCC TM 147-2011. Results: The antibacterial results demonstrate that both samples treated with N1 and N2 have excellent antibacterial activities, particularly against S. aureus. However, after washing with shampoo, N1 samples show a distinct decrease in the inhibition zone and the samples fail to kill bacteria. By contrast, N2 samples show satisfactory antibacterial properties after 52 washing cycles. Moreover, there is no significant change in the antibacterial activity of N2 samples after 52 washing cycles. This suggests that the inorganic antibacterial agent has stronger affinity to nylon fiber than cationic antibacterial agent treated nylon fabric presents durable antibacterial activity. Conclusions: The inorganic antibacterial agent shows strong affinity to nylon fiber and can be used for developing durable antibacterial nylon fabrics against washing.