Surfactants Increase the Durability and Antibacterial Performance of ZnO-Coated Cotton

The growing concern over bacterial infections and the increasing demand for hygiene have driven the development of antibacterial textiles that offer enhanced protection and public health safety. In this investigation, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized in situ and applied to cotton fabric using the surfactant-assisted ultrasonication method. Various surfactants like cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and Triton-X 100 (TX) were evaluated for their efficiency in stabilizing ZnO NPs and achieving a uniform coating on cotton fabric. These surfactants improved the adhesion of ZnO NPs and enhanced the coating’s stability during practical use. The structural, morphological, and physicochemical properties of ZnO-finished fabrics were examined by using ultraviolet (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the mechanical, washing durability, and antibacterial properties were also studied. SEM and TGA demonstrate the amount of ZnO NPs loaded onto the fabric before and after repeated washing cycles. Surfactants, especially SDS, minimized the leaching of ZnO NPs from the cotton surface, enhancing the durability and antibacterial performance even after repeated washing. The ZnO-treated cotton using SDS exhibited higher antibacterial effectiveness than CTAB and TX. This study provides a simple, eco-friendly approach to developing robust antibacterial cotton fabrics for the medical and healthcare sectors.