Enhancement of the Functional Performance of Cotton and Polyester Fabrics upon Treatment with Polymeric Materials Having Different Functional Groups in the Presence of Different Metal Nanoparticles

Abstract

This work examined the functional properties of three different treated fabrics, cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester, with different polymeric materials (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or chitosan) in the presence and absence of two synthesized metal nanoparticles to impart and enhance fabric properties. Both metal nanoparticles (silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs)) were synthesized using Psidium guajava Leaves and characterized using different techniques. The different treated fabrics were dyed with Reactive Dye (Syozol red k-3BS) and evaluated for their color strength, fastness properties, ultraviolet protection, antimicrobial activity, and mechanical properties. Results showed that treatment with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or chitosan enhances the functionality of all fabrics, with improved color strength, UV protection, and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, mechanical properties were slightly increased due to the creation of a thin film on the fabric surface. All dyed treated fabrics showed good ultraviolet protection and antimicrobial properties. The K/S of all treated textiles including nanoparticles and polymers was marginally greater than that of the treated materials without polymers. The UPF values demonstrate that the three investigated polymers and both metal nanoparticles enhance the fabrics’ ability to block UV radiation and shield people’s skin from its damaging effects. All treated textiles had UPF values that are higher than those of untreated textiles. Further research demonstrates that ZnONP-treated textiles exhibited greater UPF values than AgNP-treated textiles when the polymer component was present. Antibacterial examination demonstrated that treated materials had robust microbial resistance. This resistance is diminished by washing, but still prevents bacterial growth more effectively than untreated textiles.