Photoactive antibacterial cotton fabrics treated by 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride

Photoactive antimicrobial cotton fabrics were produced by chemically incorporating 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPTCD) onto the fibers through a pad-dry-cure finishing process. An esterification reaction between anhydride group of BPTCD and hydroxyl group of cotton cellulose was promoted by a catalyst under elevated temperature. The structural features and functional properties of the BPTCD treated cotton fabrics were investigated by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA and antimicrobial testing. Results showed that the BPTCD treated cotton fabrics display excellent antimicrobial functions under UVA (365 nm) light, and also the treatment does not damage the mechanical properties of the cotton fabric.