Strong and sustainable chemical bonding of TiO2 on nylon surface using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-MPTMS): analysis of antimicrobial and decomposition characteristics of contaminants

Abstract

In this study, the antimicrobial and photodegradation properties of nylon fabric were improved by chemical treatment using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-MPTMS), which binds to photocatalyst TiO2, on a nylon fabric surface. The nylon fibers were impregnated with a solution containing isopropanol, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and 3-MPTMS at optimum ratios, and then stirred for 90 min. To remove the nonreactive impurities, the sample was washed twice with isopropanol and distilled water, and then dried. The TiO2 concentration, agitation temperature, and time were varied to determine suitable coating conditions for attachment to the nylon surface; the resulting properties were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy. To evaluate the antimicrobial and photodegradation properties of TiO2, antimicrobial tests were conducted using the microbial reduction method and contact angle tests. The fiber contamination rate was measured by computer color matching after the sample was contaminated with methylene blue. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains on the treated nylon was investigated.