In situ polymerization of vinyl monomers on the surface of fibers in selected nonwovens

This study focused on the modification of polylactide (PLA) nonwoven fabric using two distinct approaches: in situ polymerization and the spraying of a polymer solution in ethanol. The objective was to evaluate how the modification method and the amount of polymer influence the hydrophilic and thermal properties of the material. The modification process involved the use of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), which was either polymerized directly on the PLA surface or applied in its pre-polymerized form as poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA).
The effectiveness of the modifications was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as water absorption and moisture sorption measurements. The results clearly demonstrated that the modification technique significantly impacts the material's functional performance. In situ polymerization enabled a more durable anchoring of the polymer to the fiber surface, resulting in enhanced hydrophilicity and improved thermal stability compared to the spraying method. The findings suggest that both modification methods hold potential for tailoring PLA nonwovens for advanced applications. However, in situ polymerization proved more effective in achieving stronger and more uniform functionalization. These insights are particularly valuable for the development of functional materials in fields such as biomedical engineering, hygiene products, and filtration systems, where moisture management and thermal resistance are critical.