This study demonstrates the synthesis of
nano-zinc stannate and its application as a novel multifunctional
finishing agent on cotton fabric. Nano-zinc stannate has been synthesized
by the co-precipitation method, and the nanostructures produced have
been characterized to investigate their morphology and microstructure
by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy,
and X-ray diffraction techniques. The synthesized nano-zinc stannate
has been applied on cotton fabric and the multifunctional efficacies
of the treated fabric, like UV resistance, antibacterial property,
self-cleaning, as well as thermal stability, were analyzed. The as-synthesized
zinc stannate-treated cotton fabric showed excellent efficiency in
self-cleaning, antibacterial property, and flame-resistant action
compared to the annealed nano-zinc stannate-treated cotton fabric.
It was observed that the ultraviolet protection factor of the treated
(annealed zinc stannate-treated) fabric shoot up more than 45 after
treatment, and the same fabric showed more than 90% bacterial resistance
against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Concerning
thermal kinetics, the as-synthesized zinc stannate-treated fabric
registered a 39% reduction in the peak heat release rate compared
to the untreated cotton fabric, and it also showed catalyzed pyrolysis
action and more amount of char mass (30–40% more compared to
the control cotton) formation at higher temperature. The self-cleaning
efficacy of the treated fabric has been examined against coffee stain
and basic methylene blue dye. The treated fabric exhibited a good
efficiency in cleaning of stain due to the free-radical scavenging
behavior. Finally, it also has been proved that the integration of
these nanostructure did not have any detrimental effect on the important
physical properties (tensile strength, flexibility, and crease resistance)
of the treated fabric.
The current study aims to mitigate the problems arising due to leach-out of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from an antibacterial material developed using silver coating or finishes. Polyester (PET) staple fibres with Ag-NPs firmly integrated within them were used to prepare needle-punched nonwoven fabric. To further enhance the antibacterial efficiency, the nonwoven surface was etched via alkaline hydrolysis such that the Ag-NPs are exposed to the bacterial cell wall. The antibacterial activity of the nonwoven made of PET-Ag-NPs nanocomposite fibres (P/Ag-NFs) against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria was found to be increased after hydrolysis by 4.5% and 6.5%, respectively. The amount of silver leach-out from the developed antibacterial media was 0.01 ppm for 24 h immersion time, which is in compliance with regulations of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (0.01 mg/m3), as well as that of WHO (0.1 ppm). Moreover, the nonwoven was effective in killing up to 94% and 98% S. aureus and E. coli bacteria, respectively. Hence, the developed nonwoven fabric can safely be used for medical and health care textiles, antibacterial clothing and for the development of dry/wet filtration media.
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