Sustainable augmentation in lyocell knitted sportswear functionality by in-situ synthesis of biogenetically reduced silver nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles, well-known for their enhanced quality characteristics, are prepared by many chemical and physical methods. The biosynthesis method for preparing nano-particle becomes more popular due to increased environmental safety concerns and the complicity involved in other methods. Its superiority over other methods is evidenced by the fact that it is produced in aqueous solution at room temperature without the use of additives or accelerating agents, and without any significant energy or waste inputs. The nano-edged antibacterial fabric if developed using green technology and in a single step rather than following a multi-stepped process can set up milestones for the commercial variability of the nanocomposite. The present investigation deals with the development of ecological, economical, and highly stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized within the polymer matrix of Lyocell knitted fabric using the green route. Azadirachta Indica leaves extract was used as a stabilizing agent. The lyocell fabric augmented with silver nanoparticles was characterized for its surface morphology by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) technique. The uniform distribution of AgNPs was seen from the SEM image. The chemical structure of the composite material was evaluated by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDS) and further confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). EDS detects 0.26 wt % of Ag element. The changes in its functional properties, like; antibacterial, UV protection (UPF), and moisture management (MMT) on treatment were also worked out concerning untreated feeder fabric. Silver nano-mediated bioactive lyocell knit has executed 98% and 94% resistance against gram +ve and gram –ve bacterium respectively, improvement in the UPF value, and becoming moisture management fabric as revealed by the MMT standard. The biogenic fabric can potentially be utilized for hygienic apparel textiles.