This study reports the antimicrobial activity and improved dyeing performance of cotton knitted fabric by depositing silver nanoparticles on the surface. The cotton fabric is first treated with caustic soda (NaOH) of three different concentrations to activate the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose surface and then the nanoparticles are introduced on fabric surface by direct reduction of silver nitrate salt using ascorbic acid. The presence of silver nanoparticles on the fabric surface is clearly observed by scanning electron micrograph. The elementary analysis is done by energy dispersive spectroscopy and the chemical interaction of cotton fibre with nano silver is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum. In this work, the antimicrobial activity on Ag deposited sample is investigated by quantitative analysis against both Gram positive (S. aureus) and Gram negative (E. coli) bacteria. Results shows a significant antimicrobial activity such as more than 90% bacterial reduction of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria are inhibited. The fabric sample is dyed with 2% direct dye and consequently the result shows very good performance in dye exhaustion, colour strength and fastness property. For instance, the incorporation of Ag nanoparticles increases 7% of dyestuff exhaustion and 15% of colour strength of the fabric. However, Ag nanoparticles deposited fabric loses its strength slightly due to the pretreatment using NaOH for the functionalization of cotton.

The goal of this research is to develop a functional textile with better mechanical properties. Therefore, nano ZnO is synthesized, characterized, and applied to cotton fabric by mechanical thermo-fixation techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by SEM and XRD analysis. The ZnO nanoparticle alone, ZnO nanoparticle with a binder, and ZnO with a binder and wax emulsion are then applied on cotton woven fabrics using three different recipes. The surface morphology of the treated fabric is studied using SEM and EDS. Antimicrobial activity, UV protection property, and crease resistance are all tested for their functional characteristics. In addition, all vital mechanical characteristics are assessed. The results suggest that using only nano ZnO or nano ZnO with a binder enhances functional features while deteriorating mechanical capabilities. Nano ZnO treatment with the third recipe, which includes the addition of an emulsion, on the other hand, significantly enhances mechanical and functional characteristics. Consequently, this study provides information to optimize the confidence of textile researchers and producers in using nano ZnO and understanding its features in key functional fabrics.

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