Plasma-assisted in-situ preparation of silver nanoparticles and polypyrrole toward superhydrophobic, antimicrobial and electrically conductive nonwoven fabrics from recycled polyester waste

Abstract

The preparation of multifunctional polyester fabric has been recently attractive research. Herein, a composite film of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polypyrrole (Ppyr) were prepared and incorporated in situ into plasma-pretreated polyesters using the pad-dry-cure procedure of silver nitrate and pyrrole into polyester to provide a multifunctional textile. Recycled polyester waste was shredded and melt-spun to provide nonwoven fabric. Polypyrrole was generated in situ via REDOX polymerization process of pyrrole. This polymerization process was accompanied with reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 NPs, leading to permanent insoluble property within the structure of the polyester fibers. Thus, high colorfastness was monitored without varying the comfort features of the finished polyesters. The produced polypyrrole acted an electrically conductive agent, whereas silver nitrate functioned as an antmicrobial agent. By curing with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS), the superhydrophobic properties were imparted to polyester fabrics. The morphological studies were explored by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The bend length and air-permeability of the finished polyesters were investigated to assess their comfort characteristics. The antibacterial behavior to S. aureus and E. coli were examined. Additionally, the finished fabrics showed ultraviolet shielding and electrical conductivity.