Multi-stimuli Responsive Natural Fibers Immobilized with Silver Nanoparticles via Plasma-activated Generation of Polyaniline

Abstract

Functionalization of natural fibers with electroactive polymeric materials can create conductive surfaces with multifunctional properties. Herein, we develop smart fibers using plasma supported coating of wool fabrics with various polyaniline derivatives (PANi) in the presence/absence of in-situ prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Nanostructural thin film of PANi was synthesized in-situ employing plasma-pretreatment to assess the polymerization process. AgNPs were immobilized in-situ during the formation of PANi starting from silver nitrate (AgNO3) by taking benefit of the reducing ability from the electroconductive polymer derivatives. Some selected electroactive polymers were applied starting from aromatic amines, including m-anisidine, o-phenylenediamine and p-nitroaniline. The morphological characteristics of the produced fabrics were studied by scan electron microscope (SEM). The chemical analysis was studied by energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. As monitored by CIE Lab colorimetric measurements, instant reversible color variations were monitored by recording the colorimetric measurements of the produced sensor fabrics. By changing the sort of the electroactive polymer and the inclusion of silver nanoparticles, the imparted characteristics of the developed wool fabrics, including antimicrobial, electroactivity and stimuli-responsive effects were explored for a diversity of promising medical applications.