Green surface modification and nano-multifunctionalization of denim fabric

Abstract

Eco-friendly multifunctional denim products using environmentally sound technologies are still a challenge. In current study, enzymatic pretreatments of denim fabric using acid pectinases, laccases, and acid cellulases individually and in admixtures were carried out followed by post-nanocoating of bio-treated fabric samples with ZnO- and TiO2-NPs along with citric acid/sodium hypophosphite as ester-crosslinking/binding system using the pad-dry-microwave fixation technique. The impacts of enzymatic and subsequent nano-treatments on some physico-chemical, color change, anti-microbial and UV-blocking properties were assessed. Also, surface modification and nano-metal oxides immobilization were observed and confirmed using scan electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The experimental results revealed that the degree of surface modification and subsequent multifunctionalization are governed by type of enzyme or hybrid enzyme as well as kind of nano-metal oxide and its extent of fixation onto the modified/ester-crosslinked denim fabric structure. The synergistic effect and positive impacts of enzymatic treatment followed by nanofinishing especially in case of using ZnO-NPs on imparting better and durable performance and multifunctional properties without adversely affecting the coloration properties of denim fabric samples are confirmed and discussed. Mode of interactions was also suggested.