Comparison of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Integration into Non-Woven Fabrics Using Different Functionalisation Methods...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Advanced facemasks are crucial for healthcare preparedness.
• Non-woven fabrics (NWF) are key components, requiring functionalization for enhanced properties.
• Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) offer antimicrobial potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize polypropylene non-woven fabrics (NWF) with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs).
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and physical properties of functionalized NWF for facemask development.
• To assess the performance of a three-layered facemask incorporating antimicrobial NWF.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of NWF structural, physicochemical, and comfort properties.
• Functionalization of NWF with ZnO NPs (0.3 and 1.2 wt%) via electrospinning, dip-pad-dry, and exhaustion methods.
• Antimicrobial testing (ISO 22196, ISO 18184) and assessment of filtration efficiency and breathability (NP EN ISO 149).

Main Results:

• The dip-pad-dry method yielded NWF with ZnO NPs primarily on the surface (0.017 ± 0.013 wt%).
• These fabrics demonstrated complete eradication of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli within 24 hours.
• Significant inhibition of bacteriophage MS2 (SARS-CoV-2 surrogate) was observed, alongside good filtration and breathability in the final facemask.

Conclusions:

• Functionalized NWF using the dip-pad-dry method show excellent antimicrobial activity.
• Developed three-layered facemasks exhibit antimicrobial capacity, filtration efficiency, and breathability.
• These advanced facemasks hold significant potential for active individual protection.