Silver-Containing Carbon Fibers, Preparation and Properties

Various methods for preparing fibrous materials [substrates in which polymer filaments of various nature are decorated with particles and/or layers of metallic silver (Ag)] are compared and analyzed. Ion-plasma magnetron sputtering is shown to be the most promising method for modifying materials made of polypropylene and fluoroplastic fibers with Ag. Reductive adsorption is the most effective method for surface modification of carbon fibers with Ag. Photographs taken on a scanning electron microscope that characterize the morphology of Ag-containing fibers are presented. The bactericidal activity of Ag-containing fibers of various types is demonstrated. Hypotheses explaining the high antimicrobial activity of Ag-modified carbon fibers are proposed.