Abstract
Polyamide (PA) has notable physical and chemical properties and is one of the most versatile synthetic materials in the industrial sector. However, its hydrophobicity creates significant challenges in its beneficiation and modification. Modifications of PA with chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) can improve its undesired properties but are rarely found in the literature due to the weak interaction between the chemical groups of both structures. Surface hydrolysis mediated by enzymes can mildly improve the PA properties and create reactive sites. These sites can react with CNPs to confer enhanced properties to the fabrics, such as antimicrobial activity and flame retardancy. This study investigated the action of 14 hydrolases in the surface hydrolysis of 100% polyamide 6 (PA 6) fabric. Such an extensive study applying several enzymes for this process is uncommon. Under the optimum conditions, the hydrolyzed fabric was covalently bonded to the CNPs, generating material with reduced bacterial proliferation and flame retardancy properties. The uncommon covalent bond attachment achieved high material durability, even after five washing cycles.