Covalent post-functionalization of kevlar with graphene oxide-melamine for UV-light protection and antibacterial properties

Abstract

The use of two-dimensional graphene as a versatile platform for anchoring target molecules that confer and convey specific properties in a robust and effective way to textile fabrics through covalent modification is demonstrated. Specifically, we carried out the functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with melamine, and in parallel, we chemically modified Kevlar with a tracer molecule, easily monitored through various techniques, including IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and the Kaiser test. The resulting modified Kevlar possesses free amines that subsequently condense with GO-melamine material, furnishing the covalently linked Kevlar-GO-melamine hybrid multifunctional material/fabric, where the melamine's UV-light protection quality and the antibacterial properties of GO are effectively transferred to Kevlar, which also retains its unique mechanical properties. The newly developed multifunctional material holds promise for various applications, capitalizing on its combined strength and multifaceted protective attributes.