Polymeric Films Containing Sodium Chlorite That Release Disinfectant Gas upon Activation with UV Light. (28th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abbasi, Reza; Jain, Rishabh; Nelson, Kevin; Busche, David; Lynn, David M.; Abbott, Nicholas L.
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 29:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-12-28
• Subjects: chlorine dioxide -- disinfectant gas -- dispersion of sodium chlorite -- polymeric films -- ultraviolet light; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201804851
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract: Polymeric films that release disinfectant gas on demand have the potential to be useful for management of microbial burden (e.g., sterilization). Past attempts to create such films, however, have suffered from the need for stringent control over moisture or exposure to visible light prior to use. It is reported that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyolefin (POD) films that contain NaClO2 crystals can release ClO2 gas upon UV‐activation and exposure to moisture. In addition to showing that the concentration of gaseous ClO2 released from the polymeric films is sufficiently high for antimicrobial activity, fundamental insights into factors controlling ClO2 release are provided by using atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy, Raman microscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Specifically, by determining the sizes of the polymer‐dispersed NaClO2 particles, support for the hypothesis that UV light activates an interfacial layer of the NaClO2 crystals to generate ClO2 is obtained. Additionally, it is found that the half‐life of the UV‐activated state of NaClO2 depends on the reactivity of the polymer matrix. Because both PVA and POD possess properties analogous to polymers used in packaging films, it is concluded that the approach described in this study may enable introduction of deodorizing or antimicrobial functional properties into polymeric packaging. Abstract : A polymeric film that releases a disinfectant gas in controlled quantities on demand is reported. The film contains sodium chlorite (NaClO2 ) crystals and releases chlorine dioxide (ClO2 ) gas on demand upon UV‐activation and exposure to moisture. The concentration of gaseous ClO2 released from the film is sufficiently high to achieve antimicrobial activity, thus enabling design of self‐sterilizing films.