This Is AuburnElectronic Theses and Dissertations

Synthesis, Structure-Bioactivity Relationship, and Application of Antimicrobial Materials

Abstract

Antimicrobial N-halamine compounds were designed, synthesized and applied onto various materials to investigate and develop several properties of the N-halamine-based technologies. There are five projects covered in the study. In the first two projects several novel derivatives of a commercial N-halamine coating were synthesized to improve the several properties of the coating. The antibacterial activity, stability, and ultraviolet (UV) light resistance of the different derivatives were compared to attempt to ascertain the influence of electronic, steric, and hydrophobic/hydrophilic effects for the N-halamine biocidal materials. In the third project, a previously declared problem, the decomposition of para-aramid polymer when treated with bleach was investigated. Four mimics, representing the acid and the amine parts, of the para-aramid and meta-aramid polymers were synthesized. The degradation mechanism of the para-aramid polymer was stated. In the fourth project, efforts were employed to provide antimicrobial property on commercial products. In the first part, a commercial nanofilter was treated with two N-halamine coatings to provide contact biocidal property. The treatment conditions were optimized considering the commercial manufacturing. The antibacterial activitiy and filtration efficiency were evaluated after the treatments. In the second part, a commercial fiber containing N-H functionality was treated with acid and bleach to provide antimicrobial property. The antibacterial activity, UV light stability, and storage stability of the treated fibers were evaluated. In the last project; cellulose, starch and a commercial polymer containing N-H functionality were dissolved in a common solvent and then extruded into fibers. The physical properties and water absorbency characteristics of the composite fibers were evaluated. The antibacterial activity and UV light resistance of the chlorinated composite fibers were examined.