Eco-friendly Multi-functionalization of Synthetic textiles

Nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO), Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) are used for finishing and to add new multifunctional properties to synthetic fabrics using pad dry-cure method and a good washing. Polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) fabrics are activated by DBD plasma (or non-activated) and then dispersed in a colloidal solution of isopropanol and nanoparticles ZnO, TiO2 and Al2O3 (2 or 4% wt/v, (owf)). DBD plasma treatment improved the binding of nanoparticles to the surface of PET and PP fabrics due to increase of the active groups on fabric surface. PET fabric treated with nano ZnO had excellent antibacterial activity against S. aureus and K. pneumonia. PP activated fabrics had better UV protection compared to nonactivated PP. Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in situ onto synthetic fabrics [PET, PP and polyamide 6 (PA6)] is carried out by reduction of silver nitrate salt into (Ag NPs). The treated fabrics acquired outstanding antibacterial and antifungal properties against S. aureus, K. pneumonia and Candida albicans. Furthermore, PA6 fabric coated with nano Ag displayed electrical conductivity better than the untreated one.