Cotton fibers have received considerable attention owing
to their
functional properties. Current research endeavors have shifted toward
devising straightforward and versatile approaches for modifying cotton
fibers. Herein, a simple and feasible method was proposed for preparing
multifunctional cotton fibers. This method entailed subjecting cotton
fibers to alkaline conditions, prompting the epoxy group in epoxidized
soybean oil to engage in a ring-opening reaction with the hydroxyl
group in cotton fibers and the amino group in polyhexamethylene guanidine
hydrochloride. Epoxidized soybean oil acted as a bridge, forming a
covalent bond between polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride and
cotton fibers, thereby facilitating the cationization of cotton fibers.
Structural changes in the modified cotton fibers were characterized
using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction,
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
The modified cotton fibers were also evaluated for their dyeing, antibacterial,
and hydrophobic properties. The results demonstrated that the dye
exhaustion and total dye utilization of modified cotton in salt-free
dyeing were much higher than those of raw cotton in conventional dyeing.
The water contact angle of the modified cotton fiber reached 139.5°,
and their antibacterial properties were partially improved. Importantly,
this chemical modification was performed under mild conditions, highlighting
its simplicity and environmentally friendly nature.