Enhanced antibacterial activity of composite fibers from polylactic acid and nanosilver‐coated ground tea leaves for sustainable green composite textiles

Abstract

AbstractThis study aimed to create an environmentally friendly composite textile with enhanced antibacterial properties using polylactic acid (PLA) and nanosilver‐coated ground tea leaves (Ag/GTL). The green coating process was applied to produce the Ag/GTL, which was further used as an additive in the PLA matrix. Composite fiber showed a light green color and a slightly rough surface. The thermal properties tended to decrease with increasing masterbatch content, while the crystallinity was significantly increased. The mechanical test demonstrated the composite fibers trend toward decreased tenacity and higher elongation at break. PLA‐3, which has good spinnability and acceptable mechanical properties, was used to prepare the composite fabric. Moreover, the Ag/GTL additive also enhanced the antibacterial activity of composite fabric, especially Staphylococcus aureus as the gram‐positive bacteria and Escherichia coli as the gram‐negative bacteria, by up to 99%. In addition, composite fibers exhibiting engine oil sorption were expected to be applied in oil spill cleanup applications.