Poly-DADMAC Antimicrobial Polymer Treatment
topic
Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (poly-DADMAC, MW 100,000–500,000 Da) is applied to anionic textile substrates (cotton, wool) via exhaustion or pad-dry-cure at 1–4% owf, achieving ionic binding through electrostatic attraction. High charge density (1 quaternary N per 161 g/mol repeat unit) ensures strong fiber affinity without covalent bonding. Bacteriostatic reduction of >3 log against S. aureus and E. coli per ISO 20743. Durability of 20–40 wash cycles at 40°C; reduced by hard water (Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ competition). Poly-DADMAC is also used as a dye fixative (improving wash fastness by 0.5–1.0 grade) simultaneously with antimicrobial function. Non-toxic profile (LD50 >2,000 mg/kg rat oral) supports Oeko-Tex compliance for skin-contact applications.
Role
Dual-function antimicrobial and dye fixative treatment for cotton apparel and healthcare textiles, offering cost-effective biostatic activity with simultaneous improvement in color fastness in a single application step.