Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the durability of the photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs)-modified 100% cotton terry textiles. SEM-EDX confirmed the long-lasting durability of the washing materials, and TGA analysis revealed that ZnO and TiO2 NPs can be found on the terry fabric surface; however, the amount of NPs decreased 10 times after 15 washes and 1.6 times after the subsequent 15 washes. The efficiency of self-cleaning properties and antimicrobial activity against five microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404, and Bacillus subtilis NCAIM 01644) depended on UVA/B radiation intensity. The increase in UVA/B radiation intensity from 400 to 1400 µW/cm2 significantly increases the effectiveness of photocatalysis. Long-lasting self-cleaning properties characterised the tested fabric; however, stronger photocatalytic efficiency was observed in light with a greater intensity of UVA/B radiation. At the UVA/B radiation intensity of 1400 µW/cm2, a biocidal effect (R = 100%) against all tested microorganisms (E. coli, S. aureus. B. subtilis, C. albicans, and A. niger) was observed on the surface of materials. The lower UVA/B radiation intensity (400 µW/cm2) and 30 wash cycles reduce the antimicrobial activity of the material (R = 65.4–99.4%) for B. subtilis, C. albicans, and A. niger. The antimicrobial activity of washed materials modified with TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles can be increased by irradiation with a light bulb (1400 µW/cm2).
Highlights
The morphology of ZnO- and TiO2 -modified cotton terry towels before and after the washing process was examined with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique
The study results have demonstrated that deposition of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles in a polymeric matrix using the padding-squeezing method is a simple way to achieve photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of cotton terry fabric
SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis revealed that ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles can be found on terry fabric surface after several washing cycles
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Creating textiles characterised by long-lasting photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties with strong laundering durability is important from the point of view of environmental pollution and cost and practicality of production. The surface of cotton fabrics from which cotton towels are made contains hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyl groups that absorb moisture, leading to an overgrowth of microorganisms and reducing the durability of the fabrics. It is essential to carry out a long-lasting photocatalytic and antimicrobial treatment of the cotton fabrics, which extends their durability and—to some extent—their suitability for use as well
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