Antimicrobial coatings for polyester and polyester/cotton blends

• A new hydantoin-containing-ester polymer was synthesized and characterized.
• The polymer was coated on PET and PET/cotton fabrics by a pad-dry procedure.
• The surfaces were rendered biocidal upon exposure to dilute household bleach.
• The chlorinated fabrics inactivated about 6 logs bacteria within brief contact times.
• The coatings were stable against repeated launderings and UVA light exposure.

A new hydantoin-containing N-halamine homopolymer was synthesized and characterized. The polymer was coated onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and PET/cotton fabric by a pad-dry procedure, and the coated fabrics were rendered biocidal by exposure to dilute household bleach. The chlorinated fabrics inactivated about six logs of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 within 30–60 min of contact time. The coatings on both surfaces were rechargeable and exhibited adequate stabilities toward washing and UVA light exposure. It was found that the coatings provided superior UVA light stabilities on PET surfaces; whereas, more rapid biocidal activity was observed for the PET/cotton fabrics.

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