Polyethylene-grafted poly(hexamethylene guanidine) modified ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene monofilaments and their antimicrobial properties

Biofouling on netting poses a significant challenge, as it can considerably increase the weight of the nets and shorten their service lifespan. This study investigates the properties of polyethylene-grafted poly(hexamethylene guanidine) (PE-g-PHMG) modified ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) monofilaments. The results show that the addition of PE-g-PHMG decreases the degree of crystallinity, average lattice spacing and crystallite size of the blend monofilaments, leading to relatively low rigidity and high toughness. The incorporation of PE-g-PHMG enhances both the knot strength (increased by 17.9%) and the overall antibacterial performance (efficacy rates of 99.4% and 97.2% against <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>) of the blend monofilaments. Furthermore, blend monofilaments (UHMWPE-20%) after washing 30 times exhibit high efficacy rates against <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>. This article provides a method for preparing fishing grade polyethylene monofilaments that effectively combines favourable characteristics, including enhanced knot strength and good antibacterial properties.