Synthesis of antibacterial cotton fabric by radiation-induced grafting of [2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MAETC) onto cotton

Gamma radiation has been used to covalently link polymer chains of [2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MAETC) to cotton fabric by mutual radiation grafting. The grafted samples have been characterized for water uptake, surface morphology and thermal stability. Grafting extent was found to increase with the dose and monomer concentration. However high dose rate, O2, inorganic salts and alcohols suppressed grafting. Radiation polymerized poly(MAETC) and MAETC-g-cotton samples were tested for their antibacterial efficacy against various bacteria and were found to possess significant antibacterial activity.