Ultraviolet Light-degradation Behavior and Antibacterial Activity of Polypropylene/ZnO Nanoparticles Fibers

Herein, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using zinc acetate and an amino hyperbranched polymer. The methods of transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were applied to the characterization of ZnO NPs. Polypropylene (PP)/ZnO fiber was prepared using 1–5 wt% ZnO NPs via melt spinning. The ultraviolet light (UV)-degradation behavior, antibacterial activity and mechanical properties of PP fibers were characterized. The PP fiber filled with ZnO NPs presents better mechanical properties and the resistance to UV light degradation. For the best effect, the contents of ZnO NPs were set 4 wt% in PP fiber. FTIR analysis shows significant photo-degradation of PP induced by UV irradiation and a remarkable reduction in the UV degradation of the fiber filled with ZnO NPs. It is also observed that the ZnO NPs-filled fiber has good antibacterial actives against Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus.