Morphology and antibacterial activity of antibacterial polymer/high density polyethylene blend fibers
Yamane Hideki; Inoue Aya; Takahashi Masaoki; Hiraga Kazumi; Oda Kohei
Abstract:Poly left bracket trioctyl (4-vinylbenzyl) phosphoniumchloride right bracket (P-8CMS) is an amorphous polycation which has a superior antibacterial activity. However P-8CMS easily absorbs moisture due to the cationic character, resulting in the reduction of Tg to temperatures lower than room temperature. Because of this reduction of Tg, P-8CMS shows poor mechanical properties at room temperature. To solve this problem, fibers of P-8CMS/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends were prepared. Morphology of the blend fibers was strongly related to the viscosity ratio of HDPE to P-8CMS, compatibility between HDPE and P-8CMS, and the spinning condition. When HDPE has a melt viscosity higher than that of P-8CMS, P-8CMS component covers the surface of the fiber, while P-8CMS is dispersed in HDPE matrix when HDPE has a lower viscosity. P-8CMS tended to disperse finely in Maleic anhydride-grafted-HDPE. These morphologies reflected the antibacterial activity of the blend fibers. Key Words:antibacterial polymer, high density polyethylene, blend fiber, morphology