Plasma treatment toward electrically conductive and superhydrophobic cotton fibers by in situ preparation of polypyrrole and silver nanoparticles

Smart fibers with multifunctional properties, such as antimicrobial activity, electrically conductive, ultraviolet protection, and superhydrophobic properties have been highly desirable. In this study, a nanocomposite composed of polypyrrole (Ppyr) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and immobilized into plasma-activated cotton utilizing pad dry cure finishing process of pyrrole and silver nitrate (AgNO3) into cotton fibers to establish a persistent multifunctional surface. An oxidation-reduction polymerization of pyrrole into polypyrrole associated with reduction of Ag+ ions into Ag0 nanoparticles leads to their permanent insolubility in the internal fibrous matrix to result in high fastness without changing the mechanical characteristics of the treated fabrics. The electrically conductive cotton smart fabric was fabricated by plasma-assisted immobilization of the polypyrrole conductive polymer in the presence and absence of AgNPs. Nano-structural thin film of polypyrrole and silver nanoparticles was developed in situ after plasma treatment of cotton fibers. The superhydrophobic character was imparted to the cotton fibers by treatment with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS). The morphologies and chemical composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Both air-permeability and stiffness of the treated cotton fabrics were explored to evaluate their comfort properties. The antibacterial performance against E. coli and S. aureus were explored. In addition, the treated fabrics exhibited a high protection against ultraviolet light. [Display omitted] •Multifunctional cotton fibers were developed by in situ synthesis of Ppyr/AgNPs.•Plasma treatment improved the generated multiple functions on cotton fabrics.•Cotton demonstrated excellent electrical conductivity and antibacterial activity.•Superhydrophobicity was imparted to cotton fibers by coating with HDTMS.•Colorimetric results showed high color strength and colorfastness.