Eco-Friendly Approach to Produce Durable Multifunctional Cotton Fibres Using TiO₂, ZnO and Ag NPs

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• High-performance technical textiles require durable, multifunctional properties.
• Existing methods for textile modification often lack environmental friendliness or durability.
• Need for advanced coatings providing antimicrobial and UV protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, eco-friendly method for chemical modification of cotton fabric.
• To create durable antimicrobial and UV-blocking coatings using in situ biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs).
• To investigate the synergistic effects of TiO2, ZnO, and Ag NPs on cotton fibers.

Main Methods:

• Chemical modification of cotton fabric using sumac leaf extract as a reducing agent for Ag NP biosynthesis.
• Application of TiO2, ZnO, and TiO2 + ZnO nanoparticles onto cotton fibers prior to Ag NP synthesis.
• Evaluation of antimicrobial properties and UV blocking efficacy before and after 25 wash cycles.

Main Results:

• The presence of TiO2, ZnO, and TiO2 + ZnO significantly enhanced Ag NP concentration on cotton fibers.
• TiO2/Ag, ZnO/Ag, and TiO2 + ZnO/Ag composites exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties, persisting after 25 washes.
• Synergistic effects in the composites led to superior UV blocking properties, maintained post-washing.
• Photocatalytic self-cleaning could not be assessed due to sample coloration.

Conclusions:

• A novel, environmentally friendly, and facile method for durable textile coatings was established.
• The developed composites offer excellent antimicrobial and UV protection for cotton fibers.
• This approach provides a new pathway for producing high-performance technical textiles with enhanced functionalities.