Abstract: The antimicrobial thin film coating is a polyelectrolyte complex film applied to a substrate, with the polyelectrolyte complex material having biocidal properties. The polyelectrolyte complex material is formed from a first polyelectrolyte material having a positive charge, which is applied to the substrate in the form of a solution, and a second polyelectrolyte material having a negative charge, which is applied to the substrate following application of the first material. The positively charged polyelectrolytes and the negatively charged polyelectrolytes arrange themselves into a polyelectrolyte complex, rather than an alternating multi-layer structure, due to the electrostatic attraction between particles, allowing for the formation of a thin film with optimal coverage of the substrate.

Abstract: The weatherable, mechanically stable polypropylene based date palm reinforced composites comprise: (a) at least one cellulosic material derived from date palm leaves and stems present in an amount within the range of from about 20% to about 50% by weight of the composite, (b) at least one polypropylene material present in an amount in the range of from about 50% to about 80% by weight of the composite, and (c) at least one UV stabilizing material present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of the composite. The present invention also includes a method of making the above-describe composites. The composites of the present invention have a mechanical strength that is comparable or exceeds that of polypropylene material alone and is more stable under weathering conditions of Saudi Arabia than polypropylene alone.