Polymers and coatings with anti-microbial properties

TNO Defence, Security and Safety is involved in the development of broad spectrum counter-measures against chemical and biological warfare agents. One of the focal points is the testing and development of physical protection equipment and materials. The aim of the work reported here is the development of anti-microbial polymers for incorporation into textile, cleaning materials and coatings that offer optimal protection against various microorganisms.
To this end we have synthesized several antimicrobial polymers based on modified quaternized (meth)acrylic polymers and hyperbranched polymers. Various types of textile and substrates were coated with these products. The polymers and coatings were tested according to JIS 1902, and showed a good reduction against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria like: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and B. anthracis. Polymers and coatings based on quaternized hyperbranched polymers possessed the highest antimicrobial activity. With this type of polymer a high amount of active antimicrobial groups on the surface can be achieved. The polymers showed a complete kill against various organisms and spores. It is shown that there is a good relation between the amount of active groups on the surface and the antimicrobial behavior of the coatings. After modification with reactive silane groups the hyperbranched AM polymers could be coupled to textile with retention of their antimicrobial activity. The tested polymers where based on acrylic polymers and hyperbranched polymers.