Synthesis of cationic graft modified chitosan and its antibacterial finish on rabbit wool fabric

Abstract

As a natural polymer antibacterial agent, chitosan itself has excellent characteristics, but its application is limited due to its poor solubility. Based on this, using ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8) and sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) as redox initiators, a cationic antibacterial monomer was grafted onto chitosan to prepare a new type of modified chitosan. The target product was successfully analyzed by infrared spectrum analysis and XPS energy spectrum analysis. Using polycarboxylic acid as a cross-linking agent and modified chitosan as an antibacterial agent, the rabbit wool fabric was finished, and the finished fabric was tested for antibacterial properties and washing resistance. The effect of graft-modified chitosan with different reaction conditions on the antibacterial finishing fabric, such as the ratio of monomer to chitosan substance, reaction temperature, and the amount of initiator added, was studied. The results showed that the finished rabbit wool fabrics had good antibacterial effects on E. coli, and their antibacterial rates reached 100%, and after 20 washings, the antibacterial rate still reached 100%, with long-lasting antibacterial properties. Considering the cost, the ratio of the amount of the chitosan to the monomer was finally selected as 4: 1 to prepare the modified chitosan.