Preparation and characterization of a temperature-sensitive nonwoven poly (propylene) with antibacterial properties

In this study, a temperature-sensitive fabric with antibacterial properties was prepared by the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on nonwoven poly (propylene) (PP) grafted with poly (N-iso-propylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm-PP). First, PNIPAAm was grafted onto corona-treated nonwoven PP. Afterwards, silver nanoparticles were synthesized on the temperature-sensitive hydrogel layer grafted to the surface of nonwoven PP by the reduction of silver ions (Ag⁺). Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy confirmed the presence of PNIPAAm on the nonwoven PP. scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to investigate surface morphology and the presence of silver particles in the samples. Inductively coupled-plasma atomic emission spectroscopy revealed that the Ag content in Ag-functionalized PNIPAAm-PP was significantly higher than Ag-functionalized corona-treated PP with the same concentration of silver solution. Moreover, the results of the swelling rate experiment confirmed that PNIPAAm-PP maintained temperature-sensitive properties after functionalizing with Ag. The results showed that the formation of AgNPs with enhancement in antibacterial property was possible onto PNIPAAm-PP.