ARS | Publication request: Potential development of a new cotton-based antimicrobial wipe

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 16, 2012
Publication Date: June 7, 2012
Citation: Condon, B.D., Slopek, R.P., Sawhney, A.P., Reynolds, M.L., Allen Jr, H.C. 2012. Potential development of a new cotton-based antimicrobial wipe. Proceedings of the World of Wipes International Meeting. 25p.

Technical Abstract: The adsorption of alkyl-dimethyl-benzyl-ammonium chloride (ADBAC), a cationic surfactant commonly employed as an antimicrobial agent, on greige and bleached nonwoven cotton fabrics was investigated using UV/visible spectroscopy. Initial results have shown that greige cotton adsorbs roughly three times more ADBAC in aqueous solution than bleached cotton. The effects of pectin and cotton’s natural waxes on the adsorption of ADBAC were examined and the presence of pectin in greige fibers was found to play a significant role in the adsorption of the cationic surfactant on greige nonwovens. The ability to control the adsorption of ADBAC onto differently pretreated cotton nonwovens was investigated by varying the physical and chemical properties of the surfactant solutions. The addition of added electrolytes and simple nonionic surfactants was found to significantly reduce the adsorption of ADBAC on cotton nonwovens. And this research finding is expected to aid in the development of cotton-based antimicrobial wipes. The research results, along with a few cotton-based experimental nonwoven fabrics will be presented.