Functionalization of Nylon-6,6 with Polyetheramine Improves Wettability and Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

Polyamides, obtained from step-growth polymerization between dicarboxylic acid and diamine, are very important polymers used in many different industrial applications. In addition to the many advantages typical of this class of polymers, among them high mechanical performances together with chemical and thermal tolerance, the absence of moisture absorption is one the main drawbacks that reduces their application. In this work, we functionalized nylon-6,6 with polyetheramine using reactive extrusion, which allows for proper reaction conditions without initiators, catalysts, or organic solvents. Fibers obtained were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The final hydrophilicity was checked with contact angle measurements and X-ray diffraction then compared with nylon-6,6 fibers. We discovered that this modification influences also the antibacterial activity of the fibers that was studied and clearly demonstrated against Staphyloccoccus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, two well-known opportunistic pathogens. The possibility to obtain a functionalized polymer that is able to maintain the high performance of nylon-6,6 together with higher hydrophilicity and antibacterial activity may pave the way to the use of this polyamide in many other industrial applications.

Preparation the composite with high toughness and strength by recycled cyclic olefin copolymer

“…As we all know, compared with traditional nonpolar materials, PA6 has a higher water absorption ratio, which makes its mechanical properties be attenuated greatly. [ 30–33 ] It was found in Table 2 that the water absorption percent of PA6 at 80°C for 24 h reached 7.8%. Although its toughness could be improved more than 12 times compared with that of pure PA6, other mechanical strength, such as the tensile strength and flexural strength, dropped greatly in Figure 6.…”

Bioinspired Bola Polysiloxane for Wettability, Breathability, and Softness in Fabrics

“…The global volume of fiber production used in textile manufacturing reached 110 million metric tonnes in 2018, making clothing and textiles the fourth largest industry in the world . The amount of fabric softeners is increasing due to their capability of reducing fabric roughness and fiber entanglement. − Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) had become the most widely used finishing agent because of its unique Si–O helical molecular structure, , which can wind on the fabric surface, making it easy to form a soft film. − Unfortunately, contrary to the Si–O structure, the H atoms on the two methyl groups connected to the Si atoms are staggered due to the atomic repulsion force. − Therefore, the O atoms cannot form hydrogen bonds with the H atoms of water molecules, resulting in strong hydrophobicity, thus leaving humans feeling hot and sticky. Therefore, personal comfort is difficult to satisfy. − …”

“…1 The amount of fabric softeners is increasing due to their capability of reducing fabric roughness and fiber entanglement. 2−5 Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) had become the most widely used finishing agent because of its unique Si−O helical molecular structure, 6,7 which can wind on the fabric surface, making it easy to form a soft film. 8−11 Unfortunately, contrary to the Si−O structure, the H atoms on the two methyl groups connected to the Si atoms are staggered due to the atomic repulsion force.…”