Antibacterial silver coating on poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric by using high power impulse magnetron sputtering

Antibacterial silver coatings on textiles, formed by various coating processes, have attracted substantial attention. However, the durability of these coatings in practice is poor, limiting their usage. The goal of this study is to prepare antibacterial silver films on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS), which is known to provide a high plasma density, so as to form a strongly adhered film at a relatively low substrate temperature. These silver-coated textiles are expected to exhibit antibacterial efficacy and durability. The experimental results herein reveal that the silver coating can be successfully deposited on PET fabric by HIPIMS with a crystal structure presenting (111) preferred orientation and that the fibers are uniformly covered. Pre-treatment with oxygen plasma for a single minute can effectively enhance film adhesion in dry and wet rubbing tests, such that the color fastness can be ranked Grade 5 and Grade 4, respectively. The coated fabric retains the mechanical properties of its original bare fabric and the coating procedure does not induce damage to PET fabric. Antimicrobial performance testing indicates that a silver film that is deposited for more than 1min provides strong bacteriostatic (>2.0) and bactericidal (>0) effects, based on the JIS Standard. Additionally, the coated fabrics retain their antimicrobial capability after 20cycles of washing, demonstrating their long-term durability. •Successfully prepare antibacterial silver film on PET fabric by using HIPIMS technique.•Silver-coated fabric with excellent durability, even undergone rubbing and washing test.•Silver-coated fabric provides effective antimicrobial properties for E. coli and S. aureus.•After silver coating, PET fabric still retained its mechanical property.