Functionalization of Natural Fibers Properties by using TiO2Nanoparticles to Improve its Antimicrobial Activity

Natural dyes in textile coloration are earning popularity all over the world during the last decade. The current study deals with extracting dye from the alkanet plant as a natural dye by using the microwave to save energy and time. To obtain the color of aimed specific red hue, the influence of certain dyeing process conditions, namely, dyestuff concentrations, pH, temperature, and duration of the dyeing process, have been studied. This research presents the results of color strength (K/S) and CIEL (L* a*b*) color values. In addition, fastness tests of the dyed samples were assessed. Modifying natural fibers (silk and wool) are applied by using synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles and the commercial one. The effect of treatment with TiO2 NPs on the multifunctional properties of the silk and wool fibers, including coloration, antibacterial against Escherichia coli (G-), and Staphylococcus aureus (G+), and self-cleaning properties were evaluated. There were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained results indicated that the optimization of dyeing process parameters of pre-treatment and post-treatment of dyed silk and wool fibers with synthesized TiO2 NPs has a significant influence on the obtained shades as well as the fastness properties. The post-treatment of silk and wool fibers with the synthesized TiO2 NPs followed by dying displayed an excellent antimicrobial activity and self-cleaning properties.