Biocidal Aramide Fabrics for Emergency Responders: Formation and Properties of Aramide Halamine

Abstract

Poly- m-phenyleneisophthalamide fibers are widely used in production of inherently flame-retardant fabrics for firefighters' uniforms. These meta-aromatic polyamide fibers can be directly converted to biocidal halamine structures, which provide durable and rechargeable antimicrobial functions. Such a treatment on the fabrics was carefully evaluated to ensure no deleterious effects of bleaching on fabric performance. Results indicated that low crystallinity meta-aramids can undergo chlorination in high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solutions without showing significant change in tensile strength, flammability, electrical static resisitivity, or radiant heat exposure values. These findings suggest that antimicrobial functions can be easily incorporated into fabrics containing this fiber without altering the expected short-term performance properties of the material.