Interferometric analysis of the opto‐mechanical properties for polyamide‐6 antimicrobial fibers

Abstract Polyamide‐6 fibers were modified for use as antimicrobial fibers using two complementary methods: grafting with polyacrylic acid and silver nanoparticle treatment. The grafted samples exhibited different grafting yields of 7%, 8.8%, 10%, and 20.7%. Subsequently, two grafted samples (7% and 20.7% yields) were treated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The grafting process and the silver nanotreament were successfully confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy and SEM microscopy. Shake‐ flask method was used to study the cell viability of nanotreated samples. A two‐beam Mach–Zehnder interferometer was used to characterize the opto‐mechnaical and structural properties of the modified samples. For this purpose, a mechanical drawing device was equipped with the interferometer. The results indicated that with increasing grafting yield, optical properties decreased in both directions of light vibration. A fitting method was employed to calculate intrinsic optical properties that help to determine structural properties. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation at break, were also examined. Treatment of the grafted samples with silver nanoparticles improved their optical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties. These findings confirmed that the PA‐6‐g‐PAA 20.7%‐t‐Ag NPs sample is suitable for various medical applications. Figures and tables are provided for illustration. Highlights PA‐6 fiber has been modified for medical applications by complementary processes. Grafting process introduced additional functional groups and enhanced ductility. Ag nano‐treatment gives the grafted PA‐6 fiber good antimicrobial activity. Interferometry precisely characterizes structural and opto‐mechanical properties. PA‐6‐g‐PAA20.7%‐t‐Ag NPs sample has good mechanical and antimicrobial properties.