Novel Schiff base transition metal complexes for imparting UV protecting and antibacterial cellulose fabric: Experimental and computational investigations

Abstract

In the search for ultraviolet radiation exposure protective textile to minimize risk factors for skin cancer, we synthesized a Schiff base ligand from the condensation reaction 2,4‐dihyroxybenzaldehyde with p‐amino aniline. Also, the Schiff base complexes with Fe (III), Mn (II), and Cr (III) were synthesized. The ligand and the complexes were characterized by ultraviolet (UV)‐visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H 13C NMR, X‐ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. We treated cotton fabric (CF) with the complexes to achieve the conventional fabric materials with highly efficient and durable UV protection properties. The modified CF is also characterized via different techniques. UV protection properties of coated fabrics are investigated by measuring UV protection factor values. Excellent UV protection even after 10 washing cycles can be used in protective textiles. In contrast to fungal activity, modified CF demonstrated strong antibacterial activity. We used the density functional theory to compute the reactivity indices and the binding energy of the complexes with the cellulosic fiber. The theoretical results favor binding the Fe (III) complex with the cellulose fiber. Also, Fe (III) metal complexes gave the highest antibacterial and UV protection. The modified fabrics' antibacterial and excellent UV protection make the studied complexes potential candidates for applying UV protective (ultraviolet protection factor) textiles.