Effects of Surface Hydrophobicity of Lab Coat Fabrics on Nanoparticle Attachment and Resuspension: Implications for Fabrics Used for Making Protective Clothing or Work Uniform

Abstract

Although nanoparticles have been incorporated in a range of applications, human exposure through surface contamination remains a concern and is under investigation. This is especially true in the context of industrial and research labs, where workers may become contaminated with nanoparticles. Development of appropriate personal protective equipment requires a deeper understanding of how nanoparticles interact with fabrics. The contamination and resuspension behavior of Al2O3, carbon black (CB), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with four common lab coat materials (100% cotton, 80/20 polyester/cotton blend, 100% polypropylene, and Tyvek) is presented in this study. To understand the effects of fabric weave pattern and surface chemistry on nanomaterial–fabric interactions, fabrics were treated with C3F8 or H2O(v) plasma to alter surface wettability while maintaining bulk morphology. Changes in surface chemistry and wettability were measured using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle goniometry on untreated and plasma-treated materials. Contamination and release of nanomaterials were quantified by monitoring the change in mass after contamination and shaking of the fabrics and using scanning electron microscopy image analysis. Overall, the lowest contamination levels arose from exposure to CNTs. Plasma treatment results in differential contamination, with the H2O(v) plasma-treated fabrics demonstrating the lowest CB contamination, whereas the lowest Al2O3 contamination and resuspension occurs with the C3F8-plasma treated cotton. A complex mechanism for nanoparticle interaction with fabrics involving surface chemistry, morphology, and intermolecular forces is discussed. Notably, different surface treatments resulting in materials repellent to airborne particles could be used in treating fabrics used for making protective clothing or work uniforms to minimize the contamination and spread of unwanted particles.