Antibacterial polymer fibres by rosin compounding and melt-spinning

M. Kanerva, A. Puolakka, T. M. Takala, A. M. Elert, V. Mylläri, I. Jönkkäri, E. Sarlin, J. Seitsonen, J. Ruokolainen, P. Saris, J. Vuorinen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)
47 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The antibacterial features of natural pine/spruce rosin are well established, yet the functionality in various thermoplastics has not been surveyed. This work focuses on the processing of industrial grade purified rosin mixed with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), polyamide (PA)and corn starch based biopolymer (CS). Homopolymer masterbatches were extrusion-compounded and melt-spun to form fibres for a wide range of products, such as filters, reinforcements, clothing and medical textiles. Due to the versatile chemical structure of rosin, it was observed compatible with all the selected polymers. In general, the rosin-blended systems were shear-thinning in a molten condition. The doped fibres spun of PE and PP indicated adequate melt-spinning capability and proper mechanical properties in terms of ultimate strength and Young's modulus. The antibacterial response was found dependent on the selected polymer. Especially PE with a 10 wt% rosin content showed significant antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli DH5α and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12598 when analysed in the Ringer's solution for 24 h.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100527
JournalMaterials Today Communications
Volume20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Antibacterial
  • Fibre
  • Melt spinning
  • Thermoplastics

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Materials Chemistry

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