Eco-friendly Packaging Composite Fabrics based on in situ synthesized Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) & treatment with Chitosan and/or Date seed extract

Abstract

This research was based on the preparation and treatment of raw cotton fabrics with nanoparticles and date seed extract/chitosan at the same time and in a single treatment bath in an easy and modern manner. The date seed extract and chitosan were used in the treatment bath to increase the functional properties of these fabrics. Tests were performed for the resulting fabrics such as air permeability, water absorbance, tensile strength, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and antimicrobial activity for four types of microbes such as gram negative (Pseudomonas aerugenosa), gram positive (S. aureus), fungi (A. niger) and yeast (C. albicans). The results showed that raw fabrics treated with silver nitrate in the presence of chitosan and date seed extract gave the best result for resistance to microbes and this led to increased air permeability and water absorbance. From the above, these fabrics can be used in the various packaging process such as packaging of seeds and powder materials.