Enhancing the hydrophilic and antifouling properties of polypropylene nonwoven fabric membranes by the grafting of poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) via the ATRP method

► Hydrophilic polymer poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PNVP) was successfully grafted on the surfaces of polypropylene NWF membranes by atom-transfer radical polymerization. ► The modified membranes became more hydrophilic after the introduction of PNVP. ► The modified membranes had better antifouling properties than the original NWF membrane. ► The bacterial adhesion was suppressed largely after the introduction of PNVP.