Application of silver nanoparticles to cotton fabric as an antibacterial textile finish

A novel nano-silver colloidal solution was prepared in one step by mixing AgNO₃ aqueous solution and an amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP-NH₂) aqueous solution under vigorous stirring at room temperature. All results of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and UV/Visible Absorption Spectrophotometry indicated that silver nanoparticles had been formed in colloidal solution. Cotton fabric was treated with nano-silver colloid by an impregnation method to provide the cotton fabric with antibacterial properties. The whiteness, silver content, antibacterial activity and washing durability of the silver-treated fabrics were determined. The results indicated that the silver-treated cotton fabric showed 99.01 % bacterial reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and 99.26 % bacterial reduction of Escherichia coli while the silver content on cotton was about 88 mg/kg. The antimicrobial activity of the silver-treated cotton fabric was maintained at over 98.77 % reduction level even after being exposed to 20 consecutive home laundering conditions. In addition, the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that silver nanoparticles have been fixed and well dispersed on cotton fabrics’ surface and the major state of the silver presented on the surface was Ag⁰.     

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles with sericin and functional finishing to cotton fabrics

This research presents a novel strategy to fabricate multi-functional cotton textiles. In this study, silver nanoparticles-sericin (Ag NPS-sericin) hybrid colloid has been prepared using sericin as reducing agent and dispersing agent. Cotton fabrics was oxidized selectively with sodium periodate (NaIO₄) to generate oxidized cotton fabrics, and which has then been finished using Ag NPS-sericin hybrid colloid prepared to obtain multi-functional cotton textiles. The finished cotton fabric not only possessed excellent antibacterial activity, but also it was modified functionally by sericin protein, which endowed antibacterial cotton fabrics relatively smooth surface and good wear ability. Fourier transform infrared spectrogram confirmed that sericin protein was grafted onto cellulose fibers. Ag NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The results of SEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and EDS confirmed that silver nanoparticles and sericin been loaded successfully on the surface of cotton fabrics. The antibacterial experiments showed bacterial reduction rates of S.aureus and E.coli were able to reach above 99 %. After washing 20 times, it showed still good antibacterial activity at over 95 % against S.aureus and E.coli.     

Facile Fabrication of Durable Antibacterial Cotton Fabric Realized by Thioglycolic Acid and Silver Nanoparticles

In this study, durable antibacterial cotton fabrics were prepared by a simple two-step impregnation method. Firstly, thioglycolic acid (TGA) was grafted onto cotton fabric via esterification with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, then silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were immobilized on the cotton fabric surface via coordination bonds with the TGA thiol groups. As a result, the mean size of Ag NPs coating on the cotton fabric is around 74 nm, and these functionalized cotton fabrics show superior antibacterial properties and excellent laundering durability. After withstand 50 laundering cycles, the obtained cotton fabrics still showed outstanding bacterial reduction rates (BR) against both S. aureus and E. coli, and the rates are all higher than 97 %. Therefore, this method to prepare antibacterial cotton fabric shows great potential applications in socks, cosmetic, and medical textiles.     

Preparation of electroconductive,magnetic, antibacterial,and ultraviolet-blocking cotton fabric using reduced graphene oxide nanosheets and magnetite nanoparticles

The main goal of present study was the fabrication of cotton fabric with special functions, including electrical conductivity, magnetic, antibacterial, and ultraviolet (UV) blocking. In this regard, the cotton fabric was primarily coated with graphene oxide and then reduction of graphene oxide and synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles accomplished in one step. The alkaline hydrolysis of magnetite precursors and reduction of graphene oxide was simultaneously performed using sodium hydroxide to produce reduced graphene oxide/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite on the fabric surface. The prepared cotton fabrics were characterized with field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The treated fabrics with reduced graphene oxide/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite displayed a low electrical resistivity i.e. 80 kΩ/sq. Furthermore, the coated fabrics showed reasonable magnetic properties due to the presence of magnetite nanoparticles on the surface of cotton fabrics. Moreover, this process imparted proper antibacterial properties and UV blocking activity to cotton samples.     

Effect of Silver Particle size on color and Antibacterial properties of silk and cotton Fabrics

In this study silver nanoparticles with different particle sizes and hence colors were synthesized on silk and cotton fabrics through reduction of silver nitrate. Particle sizes of the silver colloids were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The structure and properties of the treated fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy. Various characteristics of the treated fabrics including antibacterial activities against a Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and a Gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, color effect, wash and light fastness, water absorption, fabric rigidity, and UV blocking properties were also assessed. The results indicated that the treated fabrics displayed different colors in the presence of silver nanoparticles with different particle sizes and exhibited good and durable fastness properties. Also, the size of the silver particles had a tangible effect on antibacterial activity of treated fabrics and its antibacterial performance was improved by decreasing the size of particles. Moreover, this process imparted significantly UV blocking activity to fabric samples.     

Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by PNP and its application on the functional finishing of cotton fabrics

This paper presents a facile and novel approach for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles in aqueous solution based on a one-step reaction between a modified hyperbranched polymer (PNP) and zinc nitrate. The prepared ZnO nanoparticles polymeric hybrid was characterized and its antibacterial activity was investigated. The results indicated that the ZnO nanoparticles have an average size about 6 nm and well dispersed in aqueous medium. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of them was 20 ppm and 60 ppm against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. For the functional finishing of cotton fabrics by these ZnO nanoparticles, a microwave assisted in situ fabrication method was employed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirmed that the ZnO nanoparticles in situ generated in cotton fabrics successfully. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic investigation demonstrated that the ZnO nanoparticles were fixed on the cotton fibers by PNP. The treated cotton fabrics exhibited excellent UV protective properties and antibacterial activities. When ZnO content of cotton fabric was 1.49 %, the UPF value of treated cotton fabric exceeded 125 and the bacterial reduction rate against S. aureus and E. coli reached 99.97 % and 98.40 %, respectively.     

Simultaneous application of silver nanoparticles with different crease resistant finishes

Textiles, especially those made of natural fibers, are suitable medium for the growth of microorganisms which causes disease transmission, stink, colorful spots, and reduction in fabric strength. This research focuses on the antimicrobial finishing of cotton fabrics using colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles. Due to the difficulties of adding a new step to the finishing process of cotton textiles, efforts have been made to combine the antimicrobial treatment with the conventional finishing processes. For this purpose two chemical finishes of Fixapret ECO as a crosslinking agent and Cellofix ME as a resin former have been used in anti crease finishing of cotton fabric and their effects were evaluated. The properties of the samples have been investigated by measuring the resistant of samples against bacteria, crease recovery angle, abrasion, and washing fastness. The results showed that treated samples by pad-dry method have the best antibacterial effect with a direct relation between the increase in drying temperature and antibacterial properties. However, the washing and abrasion fastness were not at the acceptable level. Co-application of the colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles with the crease resistant materials improved both fastness properties while at the same time limited the direct contact between the nanoparticles and the bacteria so the antibacterial efficiency was reduced. Subsequently, it was concluded that the antibacterial finishing method should be selected according to the end uses. In addition, antibacterial treatment could be one of the multi-purpose finishes for cotton fabric.     

Durable antibacterial cotton modified by silver nanoparticles and chitosan derivative binder

This article focuses on the functional finishing of textiles using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and chitosan derivative binder, which was synthesized by a modification of chitosan using α-ketoglutaric acid. The binder covalently linked to cotton fabric via esterification of the hydroxyl groups on the cotton surface, and tightly adhered to surface of the AgNPs by coordination bonds. As a result, the coating of AgNPs on the cotton fabric showed excellent antibacterial property and laundering durability. After 30 consecutive laundering cycles, the Ag content on the fabrics decreased to 37.6 %, but the bacterial reduction rates against both S. aureus and E. coli were maintained over 95 %. It has potential applications in a wide variety of fields such as sportswear, socks, and medical textile.     

Eco-friendly dyeing using natural mordant extracted from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Emblica officinalis G</Emphasis>. Fruit on cotton and silk fabrics with antibacterial activity

Emblica officinalis G. dried fruit tannin was extracted and applied as a natural mordant alone and in combination with metal mordant namely copper sulphate for dyeing on cotton and silk fabrics using natural dyes. The color strength, color-coordinates, wash and light fastness were also evaluated for cotton and silk fabrics with and without mordanting. The pre-mordanted cotton and silk fabrics on dyeing gave better color strength, wash and light fastness than those dyeing obtained without mordanting. The total phenolic content of the extract was calculated. Cotton and silk fabrics resulted in good antibacterial activity using the Emblica officinalis G. mordant. When mordant was used along with 0.5 and 1 % copper sulphate mordant and the activity enhanced and was active up to 20 washes.     

Synthesis of HBP-HTC and its application to cotton fabric as an antimicrobial auxiliary

A quaternary ammonium compound, 2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride amino-terminated hyper-branched polymer (HBP-HTC), was synthesized from an amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP-NH₂) and 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (EPTAC) as a grafting agent in aqueous solution. Its molecular weight and possible structure were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR). The cotton fabric was treated with 2 g/l HBP-HTC aqueous solution for 30 min at room temperature to provide the cotton fabric with antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial activities of the HBP-HTC aqueous solutions and the HBP-HTC treated cotton fabrics were evaluated quantitatively. The results indicated that the HBP-HTC treated cotton fabric showed 99.92 % reduction of bacteria S. aureus and 99.66 % reduction of bacteria E. coli, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the HBP-HTC treated cotton fabrics were maintained at over 99.00 % reduction level even after being exposed to 20 consecutive home laundering conditions.     

Eco-friendly and Durable Antibacterial Cotton Fabrics Prepared with Polysulfopropylbetaine

A novel antibacterial agent polysulfopropylbetaine (PSPB) bearing carboxyl groups was synthesized and its application on cotton fabric to provide durable antibacterial property was also presented. The successful synthesis of PSPB and its immobilization onto the cotton fabric surface were verified by a series of tests including FTIR, ¹H NMR, XPS and SEM. Viable cell counting method was employed to investigate antibacterial properties of the finished cotton fabrics. It was found that the cotton fabrics treated with PSPB were endowed with desirable antibacterial activity against both gram-negative bacteria Esherichia coli (E.coli, AATCC 6538) and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus, AATCC 25922), with the bacterisotatic rates of 99.69 % and 99.95 %, respectively. Notably, the bacterial reduction rates still maintained over 90 % against both bacteria even after 50 consecutive laundering cycles. Moreover, tests concerning the hydrophilicity, air permeability, water vapor transmission, mechanical properties as well as thermal properties were carried out systematically. The experimental results indicated the hydrophilic performance, air permeability and moisture penetrability of the cotton fabrics finished with PSPB were improved greatly in spite of a slight reduction in thermal performance and little obvious influence on mechanical performance. The antibacterial cotton fabric has the potential to be applied in sportswear, underwear, household textiles, medical fields and much more.     

Double Protect Copper Nanoparticles Loaded on L-cysteine Modified Cotton Fabric with Durable Antibacterial Properties

In this work, we developed a new method that can achieve immobilization and protection of the Cu NPs coating on the cotton fabrics by a simple two-step impregnation method. Firstly, L-cysteine (Cys) was grafted onto cotton fabric via esterification with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, then Cu NPs were introduced on the fabric surface in the presence of a protective reagent, citric acid. Due to the doubled stabilization acts of Cys and citric acid, the Cu NPs immobilized on the fabric surface showed an excellent antibacterial effect and outstanding laundering durability. As a result, the mean size of the Cu NPs coating on the cotton fabric is about 62.4 nm, and the modified cotton fabrics showed satisfactory antibacterial ability against both S. aureus and E. coli, which the bacterial reduction rates are all higher than 98 % even withstand 50 washing cycles. Therefore, this method to prepare antibacterial cotton fabrics showed great potential applications in socks, cosmetic, and medical textiles.     

Preparation of Copper Nanoparticles Coated Cotton Fabrics with Durable Antibacterial Properties

When copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were applied as an antimicrobial agent to finish cotton fabrics, there are two issues should be solved: the oxidization and the weak adsorbability onto cotton fiber surface. In the present work, we developed a new method that can achieve both immobilization and protection of the Cu NPs at the same time. As an effective binder, thioglycolic acid (TGA) was covalently linked to cotton fiber surface via an esterification with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, then Cu NPs were introduced on the fabric surface in the presence of a protective reagent, citric acid. Due to the doubled stabilization acts of TGA and citric acid, the Cu NPs immobilized on the fabric surface showed an excellent antibacterial effect and outstanding laundering durability. Even after 50 consecutive laundering tests, the modified cotton fabrics still showed satisfactory antibacterial ability against both S. aureus and E. coli, which the bacterial reduction rates are all higher than 96 %. It is believed that this methodology has potential applications in a wide variety of textile productions such as sportswear, socks, and medical textiles.     

Facile procedure for producing silver nanocoated cotton gauze and antibacterial evaluation for biomedical applications

We present a rapid, simple, convenient and cost-effective method for producing nanosized stable silver particles on cotton fibers with complete control of the silver loading level using a thermal reducing silver carbamate complex. Cotton gauze was coated with silver 2-ethylhexylcarbamate solution. Silver nanoparticles on the cotton gauze were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Particle size and lattice image of the silver nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial activity of the silver coated cotton gauze against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, whole blood clotting and physical properties including vertical wicking test, water retention time and absorption of 0.9 % (w/v) saline were studied. Silver coated cotton gauze showed a faster blood clotting rate than the untreated cotton gauze. Cotton gauzes treated with two different silver concentrations (0.01 %, 0.1 %) showed slightly better saline absorption and they had better vertical wicking and water retention time than pristine cotton gauze.     

Layer by layer assembly of nanosilver for high performance cotton fabrics

High performance cellulosic fabrics are of increasing attention as a wearable fabric with special functions. The current report deals with preparation of multifunctional cotton fabrics by using simple and facile layer by layer technique. Firstly, silver nitrate was reacted with carboxymethyl cellulose to prepare Ag nanoparticles-carboxymethyl cellulose composite. Multi-layers of the so-obtained composite were applied on the cotton fabrics using pad-dry-cure method. Ag nanoparticles were deposited with mean size of 18.2 nm onto cotton fabrics which served as a cross linker between carboxymethyl cellulose macromolecules and cotton macromolecular blocks. Application of composite multilayers brought new properties for the finished cloths such like coloration, ultraviolet resistance, electrical resistance and biocidal action. The ultraviolet transmission radiation was significantly reduced to 7-10 % after applying ten composite layers. Valuable antibacterial textiles which are required in different medical purposes could be successfully produced, as excellent antibacterial activities were achieved by using the reported method. The developed process can be easily adapted to the existing textile machinery, making it industrially viable to produce fabric’s versatility.     

The effect of alkali pre-treatment on formation and adsorption of silver nanoparticles on cotton surface

This study is an attempt to investigate the feasibility of alkali pre-treatment to activate surface hydroxyl groups of cellulose fibers in order to enhance the deposition efficiency of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto cotton fabrics. Cotton samples were pre-treated with various alkali solutions containing different earth metal hydroxides (LiOH, NaOH, and KOH). The as-prepared samples were then treated with aqueous silver nitrate followed by reduction treatment with aqueous ascorbic acid, which caused in situ formation of AgNPs on fiber surfaces. The surface structure of the fabrics was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and colorimetric data. The amount of silver was measured by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Antimicrobial activity was measured against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria. It was established that alkali pre-treatment had a substantial effect on the formation and adsorption of AgNPs on the fibers. Alkali pre-treated samples were homogeneously coated by AgNPs with high surface coverage. Alkali type had significant effect not only on the amount of AgNPs on the surface but also on its size. High antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains was also demonstrated, even after 10 cycles washing.     

In situ loading TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and its photocatalysis and UV resistance on cotton fabric

Anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles was in-situ formed on the cotton fabric by using tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) as a precursor through the normal pressure hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV visible spectra (UV-VIS), ATR-IR were used as the characterization techniques. Photocatalytic performance of TiO₂ on the fabric surface was evaluated by methylene blue (MB), 4 kinds of the common living stains and three dyes under ultraviolet and visible light radiation. XRD analysis found that the TiO₂ loaded on the fabric was mainly anatase crystalline phase with particle size of 6.4 nm. SEM observed that a large number of nano TiO₂ particles are distributed on the fabric surface. UV-VIS test indicated that theTiO₂-coated fabric possessed an obvious absorption for ultraviolet. ATR-IR analysis indicated that the nano-TiO₂ possesses a strong affinity with the hydroxyl group of the cotton fabric, and the soaping tests showed that the TiO₂ was firmly bonded with the fabrics. The treated fabrics have good degradation ability for MB aqueous solution, and could degrade azo, anthraquinone and phthalocyanine dyes. The order of degradation of the common life stains was: pepper oil> tea > coffee > soy sauce.     

N-halamine-bonded cotton fabric with antimicrobial and easy-care properties

N-halamine precursor 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinol (TMP), a hindered amine light stabilizer, was bonded onto cotton fabric by using 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) as a crosslinking agent. A variety of treating conditions including TMP concentration, curing temperature and time, and catalyst were studied. The treated fabrics were characterized using FTIR spectra and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cotton fabric treated with TMP precursor could be rendered biocidal upon exposure to dilute household bleach. The chlorinated cotton swatches showed great efficacy and inactivated 100 % of Staphylococcus aureus with 7.1 log reduction with 5 min of contact and 83.25 % of E. coli O157:H7 at 10 min of contact. In addition, the wrinkle recovery angle of the treated cotton fabrics increased from 229 ° of untreated cotton fabrics to 253 °. This study provided a practical finishing process to produce cotton fabrics with easy care and antibacterial functionalities at the same time.     

Nano-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> based multilayer film deposition on cotton fabrics for UV-protection

Nano-TiO₂ based multilayer nanocomposite films were fabricated on cationically modified woven cotton fabrics by layer-by-layer molecular self-assembly technique. Cationization process was used to obtain cationic surface charge on cotton fabrics. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses were used to verify the presence of cationic surface charge and multilayer films deposited on the fabrics. Scanning electron microscope micrographs of poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate)/TiO₂, nano polyurethane/TiO₂, and TiO₂/poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) multilayer films deposited on cotton fabrics were taken. With nano-TiO₂ based multilayer film deposition, the protection of cotton fabrics against UV radiation is enhanced. The UV protection durability of the self-assembled multilayer films deposited on the cotton fabrics was analyzed after 10 and 20 washing cycles at 40 °C for 30 min. Air permeability and whiteness value analysis were performed on the untreated and multilayer film deposited cotton fabrics. The effect of layer-by-layer deposition process on tensile strength properties of the warp and weft yarns was determined.     

Synthesis of a dodecylphenylsiloxane oligomer resin/silica nanocomposite and its application to cotton fabrics

A novel dodecylphenylsiloxane oligomer resin/nanocomposite (PHDESR-SiO₂) was prepared by graft copolymerization between dodecyl modified phenylsiloxane resin with pendent epoxy groups (PHDESR) and amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (BTEPA-SiO₂). PHDESR-SiO₂ was then used to prepare a super hydrophobic surface on cotton fabric by a facile solution-immersion process method. Chemical structures, chemical compositions, wettability, surface morphology, and thermal properties were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FT-IR), ¹H-NMR spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), static contact angle analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Particle size distribution (PSD) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the target product PHDESR-SiO₂ has an anticipative structure with many micro/nanostructure tubercles, a cross-linked network hydrophobic organosilicon resin film and many clusters of cylindrical dodecyl molecular brushes. This created super hydrophobic structure on the surface of the treated cotton fabrics. XPS analysis indicated that the long carbon chain groups had a slight tendency to enrich the film-air interface. In addition, PHDESR-SiO₂ can provide good hydrophobicity for the treated fabric. As the dose of PHDESR-SiO₂ increased, the hydrophobicity of the treated fabric enhanced and consequently the water static contact angle reached 152.5 °. This had little influence on the softness, color, and gas permeability of the fabrics. This makes it slightly stiff at high doses, and the super-hydrophobic cotton fabric also had good launderability.