Development of multifunctional modified cotton fabric with tri-component nanoparticles of silver, copper and zinc oxide

A facile method, cost-effective and highly efficient with shortened-time operation was devised for unprecedented modification of cotton fabrics. This modification induced the formation of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles within cotton fabrics in such a way that cotton samples loaded with AgNPs- or AgNPs/ZnONPs or AgNPs/ZnONPs/CuNPs respectively. Presence of the trimetallic nanoparticles concomitantly within microstructural features of cotton imparts durable antibacterial, UV protection and conductivity properties to yield ultimately cotton fabrics with multifunctional performance. The nanoparticles were formed and stabilized independently by Polymethylol compound (PMC) and functionalized polyethyleneimine (FPEI) as per one bath. The results obtained proved that the solution of these metal compounds are turned from colourless to yellow and black green colour up on addition of PMC or FPEI compound. It was found that UV-vis spectra display maximum surface plasmon peak of around 410-415 confirming the successful synthesis of AgNPs stabilized by PMC or FPEI chains. In addition, the results obtained indicated that the as formed nanoparticles are successfully deposited into the surface of cellulose fabrics and reveal changes in crystalline structure. Fabrics underwent structural changes during their treatments as per the designed practice exhibit multifunctional properties and manifold performance. The resultant treated cotton fabric gives good antibacterial properties event after 20 washing cycles additionally to the excellent ultra-violet properties and excellent electrical conductivity.