Instantly AgNPs deposition through facile solventless technique for poly-functional cotton fabrics

Area of Science:

• Textile Science
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Functional clothing is increasingly important for protection and fashion.
• Developing efficient methods for textile functionalization is a key research area.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer antimicrobial and UV-protective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the direct deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto cotton fabric.
• To compare the efficiency of solventless sorption and padding techniques for AgNP deposition.
• To evaluate the antibacterial and UV-protective properties of the functionalized fabrics.

Main Methods:

• Solventless deposition of AgNPs onto cotton fabric using sorption and padding techniques.
• Quantification of silver content in the fabric using varying AgNO3 concentrations.
• Assessment of antibacterial activity and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) values.
• Evaluation of durability after 20 washing cycles.

Main Results:

• The sorption technique was approximately 10 times more efficient than padding for AgNP deposition.
• Silver content ranged from 69.3-6094.8 mg/kg (sorption) and 33.8-609.3 mg/kg (padding).
• Fabrics achieved 99% bacterial reduction and a UPF of 12.59 with 5912.3 mgAg/kg.
• After 20 washes, bacterial reduction decreased to 90% and UPF to 10.19.

Conclusions:

• Direct AgNP deposition using a solventless/sorption technique is effective for creating antibacterial and UV-resistant cotton fabrics.
• The functionalized fabrics exhibit a desirable decorative color (gray-reddish yellow).
• The developed method provides a viable route for manufacturing advanced functional textiles with enhanced properties and aesthetic appeal.