Novel N-halamine siloxane monomers and polymers for preparing biocidal coatings

Precursor N-halamine siloxane monomers and polymers have been prepared for the purpose of functionalising the surfaces of materials in order to render them biocidal upon exposure to oxidative halogen solutions. The biocidal function can be imparted to the N-halamine moiety either before or after siloxane bonding or adhesion to the surface or material. The biocidal surfaces and materials can then be used to inactivate pathogenic micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts, as well as virus particles, which can cause infectious diseases, and those micro-organisms which cause noxious odours and unpleasant colouring such as mildew. Examples of surfaces and materials which can be rendered biocidal with the N-halamine siloxanes include cellulose, synthetic fibres, ceramics, plastics, polyurethanes and metals. Preparation procedures and some biocidal efficacy data on paper, cotton and polyurethane paint are discussed.