Fabricating multifunctional silver nanoparticles-coated cotton fabric

Silver nanoparticles with high density coating were formed on the surface of cotton fabric through pre-activation by potassium hydroxide and in situ reduction of silver nitrate. The silver nanoparticles-coated fabric was then reacted with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, which resulted in the formation of low surface energy layer around the fabric. The fabrics were characterized by reflectance spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. Wettability properties were measured by contact angle goniometry and shedding angle technique. Antibacterial activity was determined against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Ultraviolet-blocking was measured via transmittance data in the range of 280–400nm. Microscopy images showed the formation of uniform and high density coating of silver on the surface of cotton fibers. The fabric showed hydrophobicity with CA of 158±4.3° and SHA of 7°. Also, it demonstrated a high antibacterial activity against two bacterial challenges, as shown via formation of inhibition zone. Excellent ultraviolet protection of the fabric was demonstrated by ultraviolet protection factor value of 296. The fabric also showed good durability against repeated laundering.