Effective Method for Multifunctionalization of Non-Woven Polyester Fabric Using Carbon Black Nanoparticles/Vinyl Acrylic Dispersion by Padding Technique

Most textiles are electrically insulated, however, creating textile with electrical conductivity increase their usage in wearable electronics and smart textiles and reduce the accumulation of electrical charge. Conductive fabrics can successfully convert into electromagnetic shields. Most applied methods for the production of conductive textiles are cost-effective through difficult and complex methods. This research was aimed at fabricating textiles with ideal multifunctional properties such as anti-static, electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, and antibacterial properties. To do this, the fabrics were coated with carbon black nanoparticles (CB NPs) using a simple and easy dip-padding method. The composition of CB NPs on the surface of the polyester fabric was confirmed with FESEM, FTIR, and EDX image. The samples treated with CB NPs and vinyl acrylic-based resin showed a wide range of electrical resistance from 1 × 10 10 to 1 × 10 5 (Ω.cm). In addition, antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive bacteria, the mechanical, thermal, and antistatic properties, air permeability, and EMI protection of the samples were evaluated, and superior results were reported for the treated samples. Conductivity measurements and triple stimuli of L * (lightness), a * (red–green), and b * (yellow–blue) showed that more weight percentages of CB NPs on the fabrics led to a significant improvement in the uniform black color and conductivity. In addition, EMI studies in the frequency range of 8.4–12.4 GHz indicated 100% shielding for CB NPs treated fabrics. These promising results are significant for large potential applications of the product with very low cost in various industries.