Mustafa Tutak and Özlem Bilget
– This paper aims to evaluate the antibacterial properties of pigment printed fabric loaded with nano-sized silver and zinc.
Abstract
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.
Details
Keywords
Demet Kucuk, Onur Balci and Mustafa Tutak
Nowadays, the usage of antibacterial textiles is very popular for different type of textiles. The silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are the most popular materials in order to…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, the usage of antibacterial textiles is very popular for different type of textiles. The silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are the most popular materials in order to improve antibacterial properties of textiles. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility to produce Ag nanoparticle (NP), ZnO NP, Ag/ZnO NP composite materials in this experimental study.
Design/methodology/approach
It was investigated whether it was possible to produce Ag NP, ZnO NP, Ag/ZnO NP composite materials by hydrothermal method which was known as in-situ approach on the fiber. In addition, the colloidal silver (Ag+) was produced by electrolysis method, and used instead of process water which was necessary during generating of NPs on the fiber by this method. After whole applications, the samples were characterized by SEM, XRD, EDX analyses and the antibacterial activity of specimens was tested according to the ASTM E 2149-01 (gram-negative Escherichia coli). In addition, the resistance to the repeated washes of these antibacterial samples was investigated.
Findings
The production of NPs on the fiber was achieved. The results showed that the samples had sufficient antibacterial activity and this activity did not reduce depending on repeated washing treatments.
Research limitations/implications
Because of usage of one type of fiber, it would be necessary to make researches on the different type of fiber, testing procedure (with different bacteria), washing replications and prescriptions.
Practical implications
During the process the temperature control is very important for the produced fiber. In addition chosen antibacterial test method is crucial for the testing of activity of product. Fiber must be washed at least once to remove unfixed NPs on the fiber.
Originality/value
The technical antibacterial polyester fiber was in-situ coated by hydrothermal method with Ag, ZnO, Ag/ZnO composite NPs.