Antibacterial and UV resistant functions of cotton fabrics: In-situ free radical polymerization of AgNPs using Baicalin

The use of chemical synthetic finishing agents is accompanied by environmental pollution problems. While baicalin is an important natural flavonoid compound with excellent antibacterial, UV absorbing, and reducing abilities, which can endow textiles with antibacterial properties and safety. In this paper, baicalin was used as the raw material to construct core-shell structured nanosilver (B-AgNPs) using in-situ free radical polymerization method. While improving the stability of nanosilver, it also confers synergistic antibacterial properties. Then, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxilane (Aps) grafted B-AgNPs were used to prepare multifunctional cotton fabrics with antibacterial and UV protection properties. The research results showed the cotton fabric treated with 100 % B-AgNPs had better comprehensive properties, with a breathability of 375.44 mm/s. The antibacterial activity of the B-AgNPs treating cotton fabric against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is still above 99 % before and after 15 times washing, with a UVA value of less than 5 % and a UPF value of 50+. This lays a theoretical foundation for its development and application in healthcare and sanitary textiles. [Display omitted] •Baicalin was used to prepare AgNPs by in-situ free radical polymerization method.•AgNPs have a core-shell structure enhancing its biocompatibility.•Cotton fabric treated with AgNPs exhibited antibacterial and UV resistant property.