Polypropylene fabrics were modified with 2N-morpholino ethyl methacrylate by electron beams and grafting. Then, the modified fabrics were quaternized with different alkylating agents, such as benzyl chloride, monochloroacetic acid, chlorosulfonic acid, and chloroethanol. The reaction completion was calculated from the increase in the fabric weight. The modified polypropylene fabrics were characterized by microanalysis and IR spectroscopy. The moisture regain was measured at 20degreesC and 65% relative humidity. The modified fabrics were sufficiently hydrophilic to adsorb the metal ion Cu2+ from a CuSO4 solution. Their antimicrobial properties were evaluated. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.