Low-Addition, strongly bonded PE-Pd nonwoven fabric with enhanced antibacterial and biofilm-resistance for protective clothing

The frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases underscore the critical need for the development of advanced functional protective clothing materials. Herein, we successfully prepared a PE-Pd nonwoven fabric by activating the surface of polyethylene (PE) fibers and constructing Pd-N bonds to ensure the robust attachment of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles to the fabric surface. The PE-Pd fabric demonstrated excellent antibacterial performance, with a minimal Pd addition of just 0.14 %, resulting in 99.9 % inhibition rate against both Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Bacillus subtilis ( B. subtilis ). This low concentration ensures high biosafety while retaining potent antibacterial efficacy. The fabric also exhibited a contact angle of up to 104.9 ± 5.9°, significantly reducing microbial adhesion. Additionally, it effectively inhibited biofilm formation, further enhancing its protective properties. Notably, the fabric retained its original moisture permeability, ensuring comfort while maintaining robust barrier functionality. This work presents a promising strategy for the design of next-generation protective clothing, striking an optimal balance between comfort, enhanced safety, and superior barrier performance.