Statistical Study of Nonthermal Plasma-Assisted ZnO Coating of Cotton Fabric through Ultrasonic-Assisted Green Synthesis for Improved Self-Cleaning and Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

Nonthermal plasma processing is a dry, environment-friendly and chemical-free method of improving the wettability, adhesion, self-cleaning and dying quality of fabrics without affecting their bulk properties. This study presents a green synthesis and coating method for the immobilization of nanoparticles of ZnO on the nonthermal plasma functionalized cotton fabric. The self-cleaning activity of ZnO-coated cotton was then optimized statistically. The ultraviolet protection and antimicrobial activity of the optimized and a control sample were also elaborated in this study. Psidium guajava Linn (guava) plant extract and zinc chloride were used in the ultrasonic biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and concurrent immobilization over plasma functionalized cotton. Sodium hydroxide was used as a reaction accelerator. Statistical complete composite design (CCD) based on the amount of ZnCl2, NaOH and plasma exposure time was used to optimize the role of input parameters on the self-cleaning ability of the coated cotton. Methylene blue in water was used as a sample pollutant in the self-cleaning study. The ZnO-coated cotton showed notably high self-cleaning activity of 94% and a UV protection factor of 69.87. The antimicrobial activity against E. Coli and S. Aureus bacteria was also appreciably high compared to the control.

Evaluation of Ultrasonically ZnO Loading Effect on Photocatalytic Self-Cleaning, UV Protection and Antibacterial Activity of Plasma/Citric Acid-Activated Cotton Fabric

“…The operating conditions for the plasma produced were as follows: input power of 106 W, discharge current 3.8 mA and discharge voltage of 26 kV. The cotton sample was activated from both sides with plasma for the optimum exposure time of 70 s, as reported in our previous work [10].…”

“…A green synthesis method, coupled with the sonification process, was considered for the concurrent synthesis of nanoparticles and coatings over fabric. Green synthesis is an effective and eco-friendly way of producing nanomaterials that offer economic and environmental friendly solutions compared to chemical and physical methods [10]. Green synthesis is a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly process that does not require high temperature, pressure, energy, and harmful chemicals.…”

Sustainable Antibacterial Activity of Polyamide Fabrics Containing ZnO Nanoparticles

“…Irfan et al. also reported agglomerated nanoparticles with different morphologies and increased sizes for impregnated ZnO NP fabric fibers …”

Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Processing and Sr-Doped ZnO/CNT Photocatalyst Decoration of Cotton Fabrics for Self-Cleaning Application

“…The plasma-induced cracks and pits due to the etching effect also enhance the adsorption and stability of nanoparticles on the fabric . The induction of the functional groups (−COOH and –OH) on the fabric shows a strong electrostatic interaction with the photocatalyst particles. − The photocatalyst coating was found to be denser and more homogeneous over plasma-processed fabrics than over unprocessed fabrics.…”

“…Plasma treatment also contributes to the stability and photocatalytic effectiveness of a catalyst on the fabric surface. 19 The plasma exposure of textiles improves the surface roughness and induction rate of functional groups, which are key drivers in nano finishing and photocatalytic applications of textiles. Çakır et al 20 plasma processed the fabrics to produce ZnO-coated textiles.…”