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Published on: November 27, 2012
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Synthesis of nanosilver on polyamide fabric using silver/ammonia complex
Majid Montazer1, Ali Shamei2, Farbod Alimohammadi2
1Textile Department, Functional Fibrous Structures & Environmental Enhancement (FFSEE), Amirkabir University of Technology, Hafez Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for creating durable nanosilver on polyamide 6 fabric using a silver/ammonia complex. The treated fabric exhibits excellent, long-lasting antibacterial properties against common bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Textile Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polyamide 6 (nylon) fabrics lack inherent antimicrobial properties.
- Developing effective and durable antimicrobial textiles is crucial for healthcare and consumer applications.
- Existing methods for antimicrobial fabric treatment often involve harsh chemicals or lack durability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, eco-friendly synthesis method for incorporating nanosilver onto polyamide 6 fabric.
- To investigate the stabilization effect of nanosilver synthesis on polyamide chain linkages.
- To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and durability of the nanosilver-treated polyamide fabric.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of nanosilver within polyamide 6 fabric using a silver/ammonia complex [Ag(NH3)2](+).
- Direct reduction of the silver complex by polyamide functional groups, eliminating the need for external reducing agents.
- Characterization using UV-vis, EDX, XRD, XPS, and SEM to confirm nanosilver presence, size (20-150 nm), and chemical state.
- Antibacterial testing against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- Durability testing through 20 wash cycles.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of nanosilver on and within polyamide 6 fabric without additional reducing agents.
- Formation of new linkages between polyamide chains, enhancing fabric stability.
- Confirmation of nanosilver presence and size distribution via spectroscopic and microscopic analyses.
- Demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- Achieved high durability of antibacterial properties, retaining 98.6% efficacy after 20 washes.
Conclusions:
- The novel synthesis method provides a stable and effective way to impart durable antibacterial properties to polyamide 6 fabrics.
- The process enhances fabric stability through cross-linking induced by nanosilver formation.
- The resulting nanosilver-treated fabrics show significant potential for applications requiring long-lasting antimicrobial performance.
