Fabrication of superhydrophobic and antibacterial surface on cotton fabric by doped silica- based sols with nanoparticles of copper

Abstract

The study discussed the synthesis of silica sol using the sol-gel method, doped with two different amounts of Cu nanoparticles. Cotton fabric samples were impregnated by the prepared sols and then dried and cured. To block hydroxyl groups, some samples were also treated with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane. The average particle size of colloidal silica nanoparticles were measured by the particle size analyzer. The morphology, roughness, and hydrophobic properties of the surface fabricated on cotton samples were analyzed and compared via the scanning electron microscopy, the transmission electron microscopy, the scanning probe microscopy, with static water contact angle (SWC), and water shedding angle measurements. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficiency of samples was quantitatively evaluated using AATCC 100 method. The addition of 0.5% (wt/wt) Cu into silica sol caused the silica nanoparticles to agglomerate in more grape-like clusters on cotton fabrics. Such fabricated surface revealed the highest value of SWC (155° for a 10-μl droplet) due to air trapping capability of its inclined structure. However, the presence of higher amounts of Cu nanoparticles (2% wt/wt) in silica sol resulted in the most slippery smooth surface on cotton fabrics. All fabricated surfaces containing Cu nanoparticles showed the perfect antibacterial activity against both of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Effect of Incubation Time, CuSO4 and Glucose Concentrations on Biosynthesis of Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanoparticles with Rectangular Shape and Antibacterial Activity: Taguchi Method Approach

“…The antimicrobial activity of Cu nanocomposite with SiO 2 against Penicillium citrinum and Candida albicans has been reported [57]. Treatment of cotton fabrics by Cu NPs increased their resistance against microbial attack [58]. Suspension of CuO NPs by minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 100 μg/mL to 5000 μg/mL illustrated antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli [59].…”

Application of biomimicry in textiles

“…This rough structure on the surface of the lotus leaves causes a reduced contact area with water. The water penetration is prevented by the presence of the hydrophobic nano-sized wax crystals 47 . As a result, the water forms droplets and rolls over the surface.…”

Design of Nanostructured Functional Coatings by Using Wet-Chemistry Methods

“…Another novel work based on the incorporation of metallic nanoparticles for textile finishing with the aim of increasing the roughness surface is presented by Berendjchi et al [47]. In this work, nanoparticles of copper are incorporated into silica sols in order to fabricate surfaces with dual properties of being antibacterial and superhydrophobic, respectively.…”

“…Commercial polyester, wool and cotton fabrics; the presence of epoxide groups improves the washing durability [44] Fluoropolymer/silica organic/inorganic nanocomposite Flexible polyester fabrics; excellent superhydrophobicity [45] Fluoropolymer/silica nanocomposite Polyester fabrics; excellent superhydrophobicity [46] Sol-gel precursor and use of copper nanoparticles Cotton fabrics; multifunctionality (superhydrophobic and antibacterial surface) [47] Hybrid sol-gel coating Aluminum substrates; multifunctionality (superhydrophobic and high corrosion resistance) [56] Combination of micro-arc oxidation and sol-gel process Magnesium alloy; multifunctionality (superhydrophobic and enhanced corrosion resistance) [57] Combination of hydrothermal and sol-gel process Zinc substrate; multifunctionality (superhydrophobic and good corrosion resistance) [58] Flower like alumina obtained by sol-gel process and fluoroalkylsilane Copper surfaces; a high repellent behavior as a function of thermal treatment [60] layer-by-layer method by using both TiO 2 and SiO 2 nanoparticles; further modification with a fluoro compound Steel surfaces; strong repulsive force to water droplets; multifunctionality (superhydrophobic, UV resistance and anti-corrosion properties) [62] Multilayered sol-gel nanocoatings based on graphene oxide and fluorinated polymeric chains Aluminum alloy (6061T6); multifunctionality (high hydrophobic behavior; anticorrosion properties and good scratch-resistance) [63] Smart nanocontainers with a special acid/alkali dual-stimuli release property Aluminum alloy; multifunctionality (self-healing and superhydrophobic surfaces) [67] layer-by-layer assembly Non-flat substrates of aluminum heat sink; multifunctionality (self-healing and superhydrophobic surfaces) [71] Electrospun PVDF-ZnO Aluminum substrate; multifunctionality (superhydrophobic behavior and corrosion protection) [73] Electrospun PS Carbon steel; multifunctionality (superhydrophobic behavior and excellent anticorrosion protection) [74] Electrospun PANI-PMMA Carbon steel sheet; excellent protection performance with a highly hydrophobic behavior [75] …”