Functionalizing cotton fabrics through herbally synthesized nanosilver

Abstract

The ultraviolet (UV) radiation is increasing in atmosphere due to the continuous increasing of global warming throughout the globe, which causes a negative impact on the human skin. The aim of this work is to produce an ecofriendly fabric having functional properties of UV protection & antimicrobial using herbal synthesized colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles (H-AgNPs). This solution was synthesized with Tulsi ( Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract as a reducing and capping agent. The cotton woven sample was developed with ten layers of colloidal solution of H-AgNPs using anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) through pad-dry-cure method. Besides, another sample developed with the mixture of natural oils and the same concentration of H-AgNPs colloidal solution. Treated samples were subjected to color strength (K/S value) measurement, color fastness test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, ultra-violet protection factor (UPF) test and antimicrobial test for evaluating their different functional & aesthetic performances. Testing data reveals that the treated sample has higher color strength of 0.95 compared to the untreated 0.04 and excellent all-round color fastness ratings of 4–5 for wash, 6–7 for light, 4 for dry rubbing & 3–4 for wet rubbing in contrast to the untreated one. SEM analysis confirmed that the H-AgNPs successfully deposited on cotton fibre surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiment revealed the mean crystal size of H-AgNPs about 23 ± 3 nm. On the other hand, tensile strength increased by 6N & elongation 3–4% in both warp and weft direction. Moreover, less UV transmission of 1.04% & 3.12% for UV-B and UV-A respectively represents outstanding UV protection. In addition, antimicrobial test depicts the zone of inhibition for gram-positive S.aureus 9.5± 0.5 mm & gram-negative E.coli 10.5± 0.9 mm, respectively. The presence of phytochemicals of Tulsi extract, natural oils, and chemical compounds of cellulosic cotton has been further analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum investigation.