Abstract

Common polypropylene exhibiting no antimicrobial activity was effectively transformed into novel functional material. A surface of polypropylene materials was preliminarily activated via two chemical methods which are the treatment of the sample with water solution of sodium hydroxide in presence of iron(II) sulfate under boiling temperature and treatment with water solution of hydrogen peroxide in presence of iron(II) sulfate (to activate decomposition of the peroxide). Silver(I) and copper(II) ions were immobilized onto the surface of activated polypropylene, giving a set of four hybrid materials. Resulting functional polymers are of continuous and comprehensive antimicrobial activity. An impact of preliminary chemical activation of the polypropylene surface on the antimicrobial activity of the hybrids was shown. The highest efficiency in terms of antimicrobial properties is manifested by nonwoven polypropylene material activated by 20% water solution of chemically pure sodium hydroxide in the presence of iron(II) sulfate under boiling temperature for 2 hours followed by immobilization of silver ions.

Key words: Polypropylene; Antimicrobial activity; Chemical activation; Functionalization