Development of bio-active pigment printed fabric loaded with nano-sized silver/zinc particles

Purpose - This paper aims to evaluate the antibacterial properties of pigment printed fabric loaded with nano-sized silver and zinc. Design/methodology/approach - The pigment printing paste was mixed with nano-sized silver/zinc particles and applied to the cotton fabrics by the hand screen-printing technique. The nano-sized particles, distribution on the fabric surface, were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The ASTM E2149-01 test method was used to determine the bacteriodynamic activity of the treated fabrics. The wash and light fastness properties of the treated fabrics were investigated. Findings - The experimental results of the study showed that antibacterial properties could be obtained by loading with nano-size silver/zinc particles on pigment printed cotton fabrics. There is no negative or positive effect of the addition of nano silver/zinc particles to the printing paste on fastness properties. Research limitations/implications - The nano-sized metal particles and pigment printing paste should be well mixed to achieve uniform distribution on the printed surface. Practical implications - The described process marks the introduction of a nano-technological aspect to pigment printing by its application to cotton fabrics. Originality/value - The novelty/originality of the study lies in the new application process of nano-size silver/zinc particles to the textile pigment printing for antibacterial properties.