A novel equipment for making nanocomposites for investigating the antimicrobial properties of nanotextiles

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this article is the development of up-to-date equipment for making nanocomposites for investigation of the antimicrobial properties of nanotextiles and the creation of a scientific base to choose materials of clothing with a special purpose.Design/methodology/approachInvestigations are focussed on modifying the surface of textile materials by metal ions nanoparticles (AgJ, CuJ). The work of the equipment is based on the creation of metal nanocomposites in polyethyleneglycol (PEG). It is heated up to a temperature of not more than 130ºС, followed by adding the dispersion of metal in small portions to water. Nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on material surface that provides the improvement of its characteristics.FindingsIt has been found that modifying natural fibrous materials by nanoparticles of metal ions (AgJ, CuJ) promotes increasing their bactericidal and fungicidal properties with a comparison with traditional cotton materials. Microbiological investigations of antimicrobial properties of the cotton fabric have been conducted according to their effects on staphylococcus bacteria, E. coli and fungi.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to cotton fabrics. Therefore, other fabric types can be investigated to expand the data basis in the future.Practical implicationsThe main practical point of developed equipment is that it can be used for obtaining bactericidal and fungicidal properties of natural and fibrous materials modified by nanoparticles of metal ions (AgJ, CuJ). That provides new characteristics of textile materials that can be used in the future for special clothing tailoring.Social implicationsThe use of engineering equipment will allow in perspective to produce clothes with bactericidal and fungicidal properties, which can improve people’s lives through the prism of health and finished product quality.Originality/valueSpecial equipment for investigation of antimicrobial properties of nanomodified textile materials of different kinds has been engineered, and there is an opportunity to create materials with antibacterial and antifungal properties. The application of this equipment provides the receiving of new characteristics for textile materials with silver ions nanoparticles. Such properties of nanomodified materials are useful for human health and can be used in the production of various textile products.