The first stage, which resulted in the synthesis of the PP fabric with grafted PAA chains with a wide spectrum of carboxylic group density, was examined previously [10]. The first stage is a very important one due to several reasons. First, it allows the activation of the chemically inert polypropylene base through covalent bonding between grafted PAA chains of nano/micro-sized length and the PP fibers’ surface. As a result of the grafting process, the PP-g-PAA fabric surface became covered with cation exchange groups, which could be loaded with any metal ions. Second, the grafted chains loaded with Ni2+ ions serve as precursors of KNiHCF nanoparticles. The formation of KNiHCF

nanoparticles occur inside of the grafted chains, and thus, these nanoparticles Epacadostat become attached to the fibers’ surface via both physical and

chemical forces. Third, the characteristics of grafted chains (density, length, chemical nature of the functional group) make it possible to control the in situ formation of inorganic nanoparticles, namely their density of distribution, size, and morphology. Therefore, it is possible to consider the grafted chains as a ‘nanoreactor’ for the nanoparticles’ formation. Furthermore, they stabilize and isolate the formed nanoparticles, thus preventing their aggregation. Thus, the grafted chains can open wide opportunities for the in situ synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles with tailored morphology and size. The intent of the Citarinostat Second stage consisted in the the in situ formation of KNiHCF nanoparticles on the PP fibers’ surface. The second stage involved Ni ion loading onto the grafted chains buy LY2090314 and subsequent reaction of PP-g-PAA (Ni) fibers with potassium hexacyanoferrate solution. We believe that the close position of the charged carboxyl groups through

the nano/micro-sized length of grafted PAA chains as well as the close position of the neighboring chains could have created the nucleation sites of Ni nanoclusters which, by subsequent reaction with potassium hexacyanoferrate, have led to the formation of KNiHCF nanoparticles within the grafted chains. Characterization of the KNiHCF-loaded polypropylene fabric Figure 1 shows the SEM images of the outer surface of the grafted PP fibers (degree of acrylic acid grafting is 170%) and the outer surface of the same PP fabric after loading of KNiHCF. The original and grafted PP fibers have a round shape, smooth surface, and cream color (Figure 1a,b). After loading of KNiHCF phase, these fibers changed their form and became greenish (Figure 1c). The SEM image at a higher magnification (Figure 1d) shows the surface morphology of the composite fibers with KNiHCF. One can see the fine single crystals (about 70 to 100 nm) of KNiHCF, which are cubic in shape. The KNiHCF nanocrystals fit one to another and form a compact texture on the fibers’ surface.