Investigation of polypropylene yarns containing silver nanoparticles: Fiber characteristics, yarn properties, and fabric performance analysis

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of antimicrobial technical textiles using silver‐infused polypropylene fibers to meet the escalating demand for enhanced protection against pathogens in medical settings. Various polypropylene‐based fibers with different silver concentrations and cross‐sections were produced through spinning experiments, resulting in six distinct fiber types. Comprehensive analyses, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), were conducted to evaluate thermal and structural properties. Physical strength and morphological characteristics were examined to determine optimal compositions. Subsequently, selected fibers were spun into yarns and knitted to create textile surfaces. Evaluation encompassed physical attributes, color, morphology, water vapor permeability, and antimicrobial efficacy against Gram‐negative bacteria, particularly E.coli. The results demonstrated over 99% antibacterial activity across all samples, highlighting their potential utility in medical textiles and other applications. Additionally, the study revealed that the water vapor permeability values were higher in fabric samples without silver nanoparticle additives, with a negligible decrease observed in samples with higher silver nanoparticle concentrations. The antibacterial activity was found to increase with higher silver concentrations in trilobal cross‐section samples. Round cross‐section samples exhibited higher antibacterial activity at the same silver concentration. These findings provide valuable insights for future antibacterial‐based fiber production studies and literature.