SERS and Raman imaging as a new tool to monitor dyeing on textile fibres

Abstract

Textile fibres containing Ag nanoparticles have been widely explored for a number of antimicrobial fabrics. Moreover, it is well-known that textile dyeing is a critical stage in the manufacture thereof. This research shows that surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and Raman imaging can be used with advantage in the monitoring of this process. Using Ag containing linen fibres stained with methylene blue (MB), it was possible to map the local distribution of the MB dye in the fibres by Raman imaging. MB was selected as the SERS molecular probe and as a model dye. Composites of linen fibres and Ag nanoparticles were prepared by distinct methods and used as SERS substrates in order to evaluate the effect of the preparative method on the Raman images. Our results demonstrate that by using Raman imaging associated to the presence of Ag nanoparticles, it is possible to distinguish the local distribution of the dye on the textile surface. This investigation allows to foreseeing the use of this technique in terms of quality control of Ag containing fabrics, which is a market in great expansion.

Raman imaging studies on the adsorption of methylene blue species onto silver modified linen fibers

“…Overall, the Raman spectrum (Fig. S1) of this sample is dominated by the characteristic bands of MB, and the respective vibrational modes assignments have been reported . For the purposes of this research, a more detailed analysis was focused on the bands at 445 cm −1 (CN skeletal deformation) and on the thiazine group in‐plane bending mode at 475 cm −1 .…”

“…An interesting point at this stage is to find out if this methodology provides information concerning the presence of MB species in the interior of the fibers. First, it should be noted that this type of SERS analysis is possible because Ag NPs are also present in the interior of the fibers . Therefore, deep Raman imaging of MB through the Ag/linen fibers was performed along the Z‐axis and by monitoring the respective Raman bands assigned to the monomers and dimers.…”

“…Although electronic spectra of dyed fabrics provide useful information for such type of studies, there are limitations concerning the nanoscale characterization of the molecular aggregates adsorbed at the surfaces. In a recent study published in this journal, we have demonstrated that the combined use of SERS and Raman imaging is a powerful tool to analyze organic dyes adsorbed onto antimicrobial fabrics by using MB and Ag‐loaded linen fibers as the materials of study . Although our report provided a method to acquire a better understanding of the distribution of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in antimicrobial fabrics, the study of molecular association of MB used as dye onto the fabrics remained an open issue.…”

“…In a recent study published in this journal, we have demonstrated that the combined use of SERS and Raman imaging is a powerful tool to analyze organic dyes adsorbed onto antimicrobial fabrics by using MB and Ag-loaded linen fibers as the materials of study. [27] Although our report provided a method to acquire a better understanding of the distribution of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in antimicrobial fabrics, the study of molecular association of MB used as dye onto the fabrics remained an open issue. This aspect is particularly relevant by considering that in certain cases the color conferred by the dye depends on the aggregation state of their molecules, but this effect has been scarcely addressed in the literature.…”

Recent advances in linear and non‐linear Raman spectroscopy. Part XI

“…Fateixa and co‐workers used SERS and Raman imaging as a new tool to monitor the dyeing of textile fibres. Their results demonstrate that by using Raman imaging associated with the presence of Ag nanoparticles, it is possible to determine the local distribution of a dye on a textile surface . Fisk et al describe how to achieve optimal SERS through the use of enhanced experimental design.…”