A simple and effective way was developed to prepare antibacterial poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) materials from commercial PMMA and synthesized poly[2-(tert-butylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PTBAEMA) by solution blending and solvent evaporation methods. The chemical structure of as-synthesized PTBAEMA was characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR, and the molecular weight (Mw) and polydispersity index was determined by Gel Permeation Chromatograph. The two components, that is, PMMA and PTBAEMA, were partially miscible and of regular domain size and shape as revealed by SEM observation. Antibacterial assay revealed PMMA/PTBAEMA blends inherited the good antibacterial activity of PTBAEMA against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, no matter whether the bacteria were waterborne or airborne. Besides, the antibacterial performance of PMMA/PTBAEMA blends depended on the Mw and dosage of PTBAEMA, and type of bacteria strain. Furthermore, it was proved that PMMA/PTBAEMA blends killed bacteria on direct contact without releasing active component, which sufficiently met the demand of developing environment-friendly antibacterial materials. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012