In-situ coated of Ag, ZnO, Ag/ZnO composite nano particles to the technical fiber by hydrothermal method

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.