Mussel-Inspired Deposition of Ag Nanoparticles on Dopamine-Modified Cotton Fabric and Analysis of its Functional, Mechanical and Dyeing Properties

Textile fabrics with functional properties have a huge interest in many applications, including protective clothing, packaging materials, and healthcare, etc. This study aims to modify textile fabric’s surface and investigate the potentiality of Ag nanoparticles for the preparation of value-added and improved functional textiles. It demonstrates the mussel-inspired in-situ deposition of Ag nanoparticles on cotton fabric pre-modified by dopamine molecules. Surface characterization of nano-Ag deposited fabric is done by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) by which the well deposition of Ag nanoparticles is confirmed. The crystalline size of the Ag nanoparticles has been determined by SEM and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. As functional properties, antimicrobial activity, UV protection, and crease resistance are investigated. The results reveal that the nano-Ag deposition introduces the excellent antibacterial property to cotton fabric against S. aureus (gram-positive) and E. coli (gram-negative). The fabric shows good UV protection power and significant crease resistance. The fabric has also been dyed with reactive dyestuff, and improved dyeing performance is found. Importantly, no significant changes in mechanical properties of the textile cotton fabric are found by surface modification and deposition of Ag nanoparticles.