Eco-Friendly Surface Treatment of Cotton Fabric Using Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

T HE utilization of high performance textiles and the increasing concern of environmental and ecological issues have grown. The processing requirement for creative finishing technologies e.g. nanotechnology, to give the request useful properties in various textile sector applications, without unfavorably influencing the earth has become in link manner. This research work was focused on using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with particle size ˃100 nm, for treating cotton fabrics and compares such treatment with those previously treated physically with microwave for 2 minutes followed by AgNPs. These finishing techniques were evaluated via the following measurements: fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR-ATR, X-ray diffraction XRD, scanning electron microscope SEM with energy dispersive X-ray analysis EDX, mechanical properties, conductivity, biological and dyeing characteristics. The results clarified the importance of such modification with tiny amount for improving the properties of cotton samples and render multi functionality, besides samples previously treated with microwave for 2 minutes clarified superior improvement in properties compared with their corresponding treated with AgNPs only. The main role of nanoparticles treatment is to increase the surface area per unit volume of treated samples without affecting its chemical structure and the energy of microwave is to activate the surface and alter such treatment.