Preparation and properties of antimicrobial polyurethane fibers based on α-ZrP and their durability in sports fabrics

To investigate the antimicrobial sports fabrics with good durability, silver ions antibacterial polyurethane fiber (Ag ⁺ PUF), chitosan/silver ions antimicrobial polyurethane fiber (CS/Ag ⁺ PUF) and quaternary ammonium salts/silver ions polyurethane fiber (QAS/Ag ⁺ PUF) were prepared. To protect the main body of antibacterial polyurethane fibers (ABPUFs) from oxidative discoloration under the influence of Ag ⁺ , the antimicrobial agent was first assembled with α-ZrP and then spun after being mixed into a polyurethane solution. In addition, nine fabric samples with different ABPUF contents (7%, 8%, 9%, 17%, 18%, and 19%) were prepared. The antibacterial properties of fibers and fabrics of Ag ⁺ PUF, CS/Ag ⁺ PUF, and QAS/Ag ⁺ PUF were characterized comprehensively and the relationship between the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of fibers and their chemical structure was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, the mechanical properties of the fibers and air and moisture permeability of the fabrics were tested. The inhibition rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus of ABPUF and its fabrics exceeded 99.99%. ABPUF maintained an antimicrobial rate of over 98% after soaking in acetic acid solution at pH 3, 95°C for 45 min. It was demonstrated that the antibacterial rate of the fabrics prepared with Ag ⁺ PUF, CS/Ag ⁺ PUF, and QAS/Ag ⁺ PUF was reduced by 0.24–5.4% after 2000 rubbing revolutions and by 6.99–40.47% after laundering 50 times. SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and DSC analysis confirmed the presence of antimicrobial agents in the fibers. Mechanical properties proved that the elongation at break of ABPUF was 12.6%, 2.4%, and 1.5% less than that of PUF, respectively. In summary, ABPUF maintained excellent antimicrobial properties and durability and could be used in sports fabrics. A fuzzy mathematics comprehensive evaluation indicated that the comprehensive performance of fabric prepared by 44.4 dtex Ag + PUF with 2 + 2 mesh structure is the best.