A novel N-halamine monomer for preparing biocidal polyurethane coatings

Abstract

A novel N-halamine monomer has been prepared which can be copolymerised with a commercial water-borne acrylic polyol and a commercial isocyanate to produce a polyurethane coating which can be applied to a broad variety of surfaces. After curing, the coating can be chlorinated with a source of free chlorine, such as bleach, to render it biocidal. Once the coating loses its chlorine loading, and hence its biocidal activity, regeneration is possible by further exposure to free chlorine. In one experimental observation a coating on a wall retained its biocidal activity for more than six months. The biocidal coating should have many applications, for example, in medical facilities, in food preparation areas, in the prevention of biofouling in aqueous and humid environments, etc.