Structure and properties of composite antibacterial PET fibers

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) had been compounded with antibacterial materials for preparing antibacterial masterbatch using a twin-screw extruder. Composite antibacterial PET fibers were prepared using the antibacterial masterbatch and pure PET resin by high-speed melt-spinning device, with spinning rate 3500 m/min. The antibacterial PET fibers of 5 wt % antibacterial materials were very effective against tested germs, with antibacterial ratios more than 90%, and had well mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy micrograph shows that antibacterial materials have been well dispersed in PET matrix. Microstructure of composite antibacterial fibers was studied by X-ray diffraction, and the nucleating effect of antibacterial materials in the cooling crystallization process of PET was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Result of thermogravimetry (TG) result shows that the addition of antibacterial materials accelerated the degradation of PET. The aged properties of antibacterial fibers were evaluated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009