| abstract |
An antimicrobial biocidic fiber-plastic composite is capable of killing bacteria on contact. The composite can be produced from a cellulose fiber material obtained from agricultural waste, a plastic material obtained from industrial waste, and one or more biocides that kill bacteria without being harmful to humans. Lignin is removed from the fiber material through a delignification process to allow the biocides to bind directly with the cellulose fibers. In one example, the biocides include Sodium Hypochlorite, N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide sodium salt-trihydrate, Vitamin E and Citric Acid. After adding the biocides, lignin is added back to the mixture to allow the cellulose fibers to bind with the plastic material. The fiber-plastic composition can then be extruded, pelletized, and molded into any shape or size. |