Preparation of antimicrobial MnO4−-doped nylon-66 fibers with excellent laundering durability

Abstract A highly effective antimicrobial nylon 66 fiber doped with permanganate ions was prepared via a simultaneous irradiation induced graft polymerization. The physicochemical properties of the fibers were carefully characterized by various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, revealing that permanganate ions (about 1.48 mmol/g) have been successfully loaded onto the surface of the nylon 66 fibers. The antimicrobial activity of the modified nylon 66 fibers against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were investigated. Accelerated laundering tests and tensile tests were conducted to access the effect of laundering on the antimicrobial activity and the mechanical property of the modified nylon 66 fibers, respectively. All results indicate that we have prepared a new highly effective antimicrobial nylon 66 fiber (almost a 100% reduction in the number of S. aureus and C. albicans colonies). Furthermore, the modified nylon 66 fibers are durable, maintaining antimicrobial resistance after 100 commercial or domestic launderings and retaining its excellent mechanical property during preparation and laundering.