Copper(I)oxide surface modified cellulose fibers—Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial properties

Fabrics with antibacterial properties are of interest as medical textiles and also in hygiene applications where odor formation through bacterial activity has to be prevented. In this work Cu-containing lyocell fibers and fabric were prepared and characterized. Insertion of copper was obtained by treatment of cellulose fabrics with copper–d-gluconate complexes. The stable Cu(II)–d-gluconate complex was used to achieve controlled insertion of copper ions into the cellulose matrix. Secondly, the reduction of copper ions was achieved by use of sodium borohydride. Copper content in treated fabrics was determined by AAS; values ranged between 18.5 and 23.7mmol Cu/kg cellulose. After five hand-washing cycles, 30% of the initial copper amount was left on the cellulose fabrics. Copper containing particles were identified with electron microscopy and by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The antibacterial properties of copper containing fabrics were tested against Staphylococcus aureus. Even with a rather low copper content (2.6mmol Cu/kg cellulose fiber) 90% reduction of bacterial viability was achieved after 3h of contact time. •Deposition of Cu-oxides into cellulose fibers occurred from gluconate complexes.•The use of d-gluconate complexes permits control of process conditions.•In ASTM E2149 test after 6h reduction in viability for Staphylococcus aureus is 100%.•During 5 times washing copper content of samples is from 20mmol/kg to 3–6mmol/kg.•NaBH4 treatment of copper containing samples did not improve wash permanence.