Abstract:

The paper presents the results of studies aimed at the assessment of the antimicrobial activity of filtrating meltblown nonwoven used in the production of protective half-masks. Polypropylene nonwoven materials containing a biologically active compound in their composition - Ag/AgCl ions on different carriers: ZnO, TiO, BaSO4, were used in the study. The effect of different carriers and an electric charge on the antimicrobial activity of the nonwoven against four species of bacteria and fungi was tested. Meltblown nonwovens with Ag/AgCl on the carriers added were characterised by high antimicrobial activity against bacteria: E. coli, S. aureus and fungi: C. albicans, A. niger. The antimicrobial activity of Ag/AgCl was demonstrated to depend, to a large extent, on the carrier of the active substance. Simultaneous use of two types of carriers - TiO and ZnO, as well as TiO2 and BaSO4, considerably increased the antimicrobial activity of the nonwovens in comparison with those in which one carrier was used. Higher antimicrobial activity was also observed in the presence of a static electric charge on the nonwoven fibres. Microscopic studies demonstrated the correct distribution of the active substance on the surface and just under the surface of the fibres, and oil mist aerosol filtration tests confirmed that the presence of biocide does not affect the filtrating properties of the nonwoven. Biocidal efficiency both against bacteria and fungi after 8 h contact with the nonwoven was demonstrated. A high antimicrobial effect was obtained after 24 h, which indicates the long-term mechanism of the effect of silver on microbial cells