Improving the antibacterial property of polyethylene terephthalate by cold plasma treatment

Abstract

Many studies suggest strong hydrophilicity of plasma treated polyester surfaces. However, no studies have been reported on the influence of plasma on the antibacterial activity of polyethylene terephthalate. First samples were padded with triclosan as antibacterial agent with different concentrations. Second samples were treated by oxygen plasma with different operating frequency and treating time, respectively. Afterwards, plasma treated samples were padded with triclosan in same conditions. The results revealed that the antibacterial activity slighlty increased after treating with triclosan. SEM images and FTIR spectra showed that horizontal channels were brought about on the fiber surface and then better surface roughness and wettability were obtained by plasma. Fibers were fully coated with triclosan after plasma and the antibacterial activity increased with increasing operating frequency and reaction time. Finally, the samples treated with triclosan after plasma gave acceptable results and showed the best antibacterial activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.