Abstract

Production of Micro- or Sub-Micro Sized Polypropylene-Biocidal Fibers through Reactive Spinning of Synthetic Fibers

Full Description

Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene fibers are chemically stable and cannot be modified.  Polypropylene fibers are widely employed in making air and water filters, respirators and face masks, and protective clothing materials.  Many novel technologies have been developed to incorporate self-decontamination functions to many woven fabric materials, but failed to treat nonwoven fabrics such as the aformentioned.  Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a fiber functionalization process that can combine fiber spinning process and chemical modification into one step, an integrated functional spinning of synthetic fibers, for the incorporation of self-decontaminating functions to the currently used biological and chemical protective clothing.

Applications

UC Davis researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of direct incorporation of a precursor into polypropylene fibers.  Thus, production of biocidal micro-sized polypropylene fibers can be achieved and may be of interest to nonwoven manufacturers.

Features/Benefits

• The precursor can be easily grafted onto polypropylene
• Grafted fibers could be readily converted to structures exhibiting potent antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli
• Production of biocidal micro- or sub-micro sized polypropylene fibers can be achieved at commercial production processes

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Inventors

• Badrossamay, Mohammad R.
• Sun, Gang

Other Information

Contact

Nancy E. Rashid / nerashid@ucdavis.edu / tel: View Phone Number. Please reference Tech ID #11278.

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ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGIES BY THESE INVENTORS

• Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing of Nano, Micro and Sub-micro Fibers with Hybrid CAB System
• Method to Fabricate Polymer Nanofibers