Characterization and antibacterial property of Kapok fibers treated with chitosan/AgCl–TiO2 colloid. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019) - Moqeet Hai, Abdul
Abstract: The aim of this research is to investigate the antibacterial activity of Kapok fibers modified with AgCl/TiO2 and Chitosan colloid. A very simple, single-step (pad-dry-cure) method was used for the application of AgCl/TiO2 and Chitosan colloid on kapok fibers, the chemicals used are easily available. Different blend ratios of chitosan and AgCl/TiO2 colloid were applied to the bleached kapok fibers and antibacterial properties were assayed against gram positive ( Staphylococcus aureus ) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli ) bacteria. The treated kapok fibers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the bacterial growth was significantly reduced in the samples which had a higher concentration of chitosan and AgCl/TiO2 colloid. However, a significant reduction in bacterial growth with the use of this colloid was observed.