Preparation and Evaluation of CuO/Chitosan Nanocomposite for Antibacterial Finishing Cotton Fabric

Cupric oxide—chitosan nanocomposite was prepared in aqueous solution. Copper ions were adsorbed into the chitosan mainly by chelation to form copper-loaded chitosan. Copper-loaded chitosan was reduced by using sodium hydroxide at specific pH. Copper oxide nanoparticle-loaded chitosan was formed by oxidation of Cu(OH) ₂ -loaded chitosan by using drops of H ₂ O ₂ (30%). CuO nanoparticles-loaded chitosan molecules were stirred with a high-speed homogenizer at 10,000 rpm for 30 minutes. The corresponding CuO/chitosan nanocomposite formed was characterized by using transmission electron microscope images. The copper oxide/chitosan nanocomposite was applied to cotton fabric by using pad-dry cure technique. Cotton fabric treated with CuO—chitosan nanocomposite was characterized via scanning electron microscope supplied with energy dispersive spectroscopy to verify the elemental composition of deposited materials on the fabric. Antimicrobial activity of the prepared fabric samples treated with chitosan nanoparticles and CuO/chitosan nanocomposites against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aurous) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) were investigated. Durability of treated cotton fabrics with nanocomposites has been evaluated.