Multifunctional finishing of cotton fabric by electron beam radiation synthesized silver nanoparticles

A radiation induced in-situ synthesis of silver particles in cotton fabrics, padded with different initial concentration of an aqueous alcoholic silver nitrate solution, has been accomplished by exposing them to different doses of electron beam (EB) radiation in an inert environment. The amount of synthesized silver particles has been studied as the function of initial solution concentration and EB radiation doses. The treated fabrics were characterized for the surface morphology with the aid of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The homogeneous and uniform coating of silver particles having an average size of 81 nm was observed on the fibre surface. The quantitative deposition of silver nanoparticles was estimated by inductively coupled plasma‒optical emission (ICP‒OES) spectroscopy technique. Their quantity was found to vary with concentration of the solution used for padding and EB doses, specifically more on the former. In this connection, deposited nanoparticles produced visual colour change in cotton fabrics with light to deeper shade which could be controlled primarily by concentration of solution used for padding. A reflectance and transmittance spectrum in the UV‒Vis region confirmed UV radiation blocking property of the fabric that also dependents on the solution concentration used for padding. Fabric samples exhibited antibacterial behaviour against two different microorganisms, S. Aureus and K. Pneuomonia. Ultraviolet protection (UPF) and antibacterial properties remained similar even after ten washing cycles, carried out as per standard washing procedure. This functional finishing did not adversely affect the air permeability and bending length properties of the fabric to a significant level but introduced a positive change of increased total crease recovery angle. [Display omitted] •Electron beam radiation is used for the in-situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles.•The finished cotton fabric exhibits multifunctional properties.•Wash durability of the multifunctional properties is found good.•Physical properties of cotton fabric did not alter significantly.•Electron beam radiation method is more efficient and economical than chemical method.