Molecules, Vol. 24, Pages 3339: Application of Biocides and Super-Absorbing Polymers to Enhance the Efficiency of Filtering Materials

Molecules, Vol. 24, Pages 3339: Application of Biocides and Super-Absorbing Polymers to Enhance the Efficiency of Filtering Materials Molecules doi: 10.3390/molecules24183339 Authors: Katarzyna Majchrzycka Małgorzata Okrasa Anita Jachowicz Justyna Szulc Bogumił Brycki Beata Gutarowska Studies on the functionalization of materials used for the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) relate to endowing fibers with biocidal properties. There is also a real need for reducing moisture content accumulating in such materials during FFR use, as it would lead to decreased microorganism survival. Thus, in our study, we propose the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), together with a biocidal agent (biohalloysite), as additives in the manufacturing of polypropylene/polyester (PP/PET) multifunctional filtering material (MFM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the MFM for stability of the modifier’s attachment to the polymer matrix, the degree of survival of microorganisms on the nonwoven, and its microorganism filtration efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to test the stability of the modifier’s attachment. The filtration efficiency was determined under conditions of dynamic aerosol flow of S. aureus bacteria. The survival rates (N%) of the following microorganisms were assessed: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, Candida albicans ...
Source: Molecules - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research