Plasma sputtering process of copper on polyester/silk blended fabrics for preparation of multifunctional properties

Abstract

Plasma sputtering is an environment-friendly process that has been employed in preparing copper-coated blended fabrics. Multifunctional textiles can be fabricated by deposition of copper, which induces multifunction simultaneously. The effects of power, the time, and the gas flow have been examined. The structural and functional group of uncoated and Cu coated fabrics are analyzed by XRD and ATR-FTIR. The surface morphology and elemental analysis of the uncoated and copper coated fabrics are analyzed by using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy). Elemental analysis confirms the presence of Copper particles on the surface of the fabric. Water Contact Angle (WCA) test shows a significant hydrophobic property with WCA of 146° for 40 min deposition time. The surface resistivity of copper coated fabric has been improved significantly by the presence of Cu on the surface of the fabric. Moreover, the fabrics coated with copper shows a better antibacterial activity against Escherichia Coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus than uncoated fabrics.