Silver nanowire-functionalized cotton fabric

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing advanced functional textiles is crucial for various applications.
• Silver nanowires (AgNWs) offer unique electrical and antimicrobial properties.
• Cotton fabric is a widely used natural fiber needing enhanced functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize cotton fabric with silver nanowires (AgNWs).
• To investigate the antimicrobial, UV-blocking, and superhydrophobic properties of the modified fabric.

Main Methods:

• Silver nanowires synthesized via polyol process.
• Conformal coating of AgNWs onto cotton fibers using a "dip and dry" method.
• Characterization using SEM, EDX, surface resistivity measurements, antimicrobial tests, UV-blocking tests, and contact angle measurements.

Main Results:

• Uniform AgNW coating on cotton fibers confirmed by SEM and EDX.
• Low surface resistivity of 27.4 Ω/sq achieved.
• 100% antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
• High UV protection factor (UPF) of 113.14.
• Stable superhydrophobicity with a contact angle (CA) of 156.2° and sliding angle (SHA) of 7°.

Conclusions:

• Cotton fabric can be effectively functionalized with AgNWs for enhanced properties.
• The AgNW-coated fabric demonstrates significant antimicrobial, UV-blocking, and superhydrophobic performance.
• This functionalized fabric holds potential for developing high-performance textiles.