Bio-inspired functionalization of cotton fabric with ZnO NPs and senna didymobotrya leaf extracts for UV-protection...

In recent years, nanoparticles and plant-based materials have gained increasing significance in the functional finishing of textile materials. Among natural fibers, cotton is the most widely utilized textile fiber due to its excellent moisture management, superior softness, high absorbency, breathability, compatibility, and biodegradability, making it highly suitable for a broad range of textile and apparel applications. In this study, cotton fabric was successfully functionalized using biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and Senna didymobotrya leaf extract. ZnCl₂ served as a precursor, while the plant extract acted as both a reducing and functionalizing agent. The dip-dry-cure method was employed with optimized concentrations using Box-Behnken design. Characterization scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) confirmed nanoparticle formation with an average size of 20.3 nm. The mechanical results with tensile strength of (warp: 312-318, weft: 289-295 N/mm²) and elongation at break (warp: 22.90-23.40%, weft: 16.29-16.95%), slight stiffness increase (warp: 1.8-1.9 cm, weft: 1.7-1.8 cm), there is a reduced air permeability (16.9-11.8 cm³/cm²/s), with a tear strength (533.36-554.7 g force). The functional properties of the treated cotton fabric have an antibacterial efficiency reached 99.99% (gram-negative bacteria) and 99.5% (gram-positive bacteria), with a ultraviolet radiation protection factor (UPF) of 112.6, indicating strong potential for medical and UV-protective applications.