Preparation and characterization of a temperature-sensitive nonwoven poly(propylene) with increased affinity for guest molecules

A temperature-sensitive hydrogel with the capability of inclusion complex formation with guest molecules was successfully grafted onto the surface of nonwoven polypropylene (nonwoven PP). This was carried out by the use of N-isopropylacrylamide monomer and a modified cyclodextrin (acrylamidomethyl- β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-NMA)). Fourier-transform infra red (FT-IR) and elemental analyses confirmed the presence of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and β-CD-NMA components on the surface of the textile. Equilibrium swelling ratio measurements showed that the grafted hydrogel maintained its temperature-sensitive property compared to a nongrafted hydrogel. The effect of β-CD-NMA and crosslink agent concentrations on the grafting yield was studied. The β-CD-NMA content into the PNIPPAM- β-CD-NMA grafted nonwoven PP (PNIPAAm-β-CD-NMA-PP) was estimated by FT-IR through a new procedure. The estimated amounts of β-CD-NMA in PNIPAAm-β-CD-NMA- PP were determined to be 0.9, 1.9 mg g^-1 for 0.019M and 0.049M concentrations of β-CD-NMA in monomer solution, respectively. The PNIPAAm-β-CD-NMA-PP showed a remarkable increase in absorbance affinity of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt at 20°C from 0.93 to 3.33 μmol g^-1 compared to PNIPAAm-PP. Furthermore, the results showed a temperature-sensitive loading affinity for PNIPAAm-β-CD-NMA-PP in absorbance of guest molecules due to the presence of β-CD-NMA. The use of hydrophobic guest molecules such as fragrance oils and antibiotics in modified fabrics can provide new applications in textile and pharmaceutical industry.