P(NIPAM–co-MAM) Kopolimer Bitim İşlemi ile Sıcaklığa ve pH'a Duyarlı Akıllı Pamuklu Kumaşların Geliştirilmesi

Abstract

In this study, fabrication of smart polymer and cotton fabrics with temperature-and pH-responsive as well as antibacterial activity was aimed. For this aim, random poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-comethacrylamide) P(NIPAM-co-MAM) copolymers containing different ratio of NIPAM/MAM monomers were synthesized through free radical addition polymerization method via 2,2'-azobis (2 methylpropionamide) dihydrochloride as an initiator. Analysis results showed that the copolymers were synthesized successfully and their LCST values were in the range of 33°C to 41°C. A selected sample of the synthesized copolymers was applied to the cotton fabric via double-bath impregnation method and thermo-responsive wetting property of the fabric was examined via wetting time and water uptake tests, contact angle measurement. The test results indicated that hydrophilic character of the fabric changed to the hydrophobic character reversibly depending on change in temperature. Besides, the fabric exhibited pH-responsive water absorption ability. The fabric could manage water vapor permeability via changing its pore size as well as hydrophilic character depending on temperature. Besides, it was concluded that the fabric had strong antibacterial activity against S.aureus bacteria.

Fibrous Structures: An Overview of Their Responsiveness to External Stimuli towards Intended Application

“…Specifically, water uptake values decreased at basic pH, which exceeded the pK b value of the MAM monomer. This decrease was attributed to the diminishing hydrophilicity of the copolymer molecules at higher pH levels compared to acidic and neutral pH values [47].…”

“…This is especially true for fibrous structures where temperature responsiveness plays a crucial role. For instance, in conventional textiles, while providing passive comfort, there is a lack of adaptability to changing environmental conditions and wearer activity levels [47]. Leveraging the extensive surface area of clothing textiles, they can be transformed into smart interfaces, offering benefits in managing temperature and moisture for the wearer [47], providing active thermoregulation [48].…”

“…Polymers 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 30 conventional textiles, while providing passive comfort, there is a lack of adaptability to changing environmental conditions and wearer activity levels [47]. Leveraging the extensive surface area of clothing textiles, they can be transformed into smart interfaces, offering benefits in managing temperature and moisture for the wearer [47], providing active thermoregulation [48]. Other example are filtration membranes, where temperature-sensitive materials can optimize the filtration efficiency by adjusting pore size in response to temperature changes [49].…”

“…The significance of pH responsiveness in fibrous structures lies in its capacity to impart dynamic functionalities. Fabrics adjusting properties like color [133], wettability, or porosity [47] based on surrounding pH improve user experience. From health care applications like wound care and drug delivery to addressing environmental concerns through efficient oil-water separation and responsive filtration, the relevance of pH responsiveness extends to optimizing performance and functionality in various contexts [40,[134][135][136].…”

“…Impregnation can also be used to saturate or permeate a material with responsive agents, offering a convenient means to introduce responsiveness without complex processing steps. A noteworthy example of the application of this technique is a work developed by Genç et al [47], who created a fabric with dual responsiveness, to pH and temperature. The authors synthesized P(NIPAM-co-MAM) through free radical addition polymerization and applied this copolymer to cotton fabrics using a double-bath impregnation.…”