Development of durable sulfur nanoparticle-based antifungal coatings for cotton fabrics

Cotton fabrics are widely used in the textile industry due to their comfort and versatility; however, their high moisture absorption makes them highly susceptible to fungal growth, leading to material degradation and hygiene concerns. In this study, a durable antifungal coating for 100% cotton woven fabric was developed using sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) as a low-toxicity and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional antifungal agents. SNPs were synthesized following chemical precipitation to evaluate their suitability for textile functionalization. The treated fabrics were prepared using the exhaustion method to ensure effective nanoparticle uptake and distribution within the fibre structure. Antifungal performance was assessed against Aspergillus niger using the AATCC TM 30 standard test method. The SNP-treated fabrics exhibited strong antifungal activity, with significant inhibition of fungal growth compared to untreated samples. The durability of the coating was evaluated after 5 and 10 laundering cycles, and the treated fabrics retained substantial antifungal activity even after repeated washing. In particular, the persistence of inhibition zones after 10 cycles indicates effective adhesion of SNPs to the cotton fibres and highlights the potential for long-term application. The developed SNP-based treatment provides an effective, durable and metal-free antifungal solution for cotton textiles. The findings demonstrate the potential of SNPs as a sustainable alternative to conventional antifungal finishes, with promising implications for hygienic and high-performance textile applications in health care and personal protective equipment (PPE).