Sustainable and green treatment approach for embroidered based fabrics for integrating antibacterial, UV protection and strengthening properties

Abstract

Green multifunctional nanocoatings were fabricated from zero-dimensional nanoparticles for machine embroidered fabric (MEF) for integrating UV protection, strengthening and antibacterial features. Spherical gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) with an average size of 39.5 nm were synthesized under ambient settings utilizing an environmentally friendly green magnetic stirring approach. Next, different mass ratios of 20 nm-sized TiO₂NPs generated using an environmentally friendly method were easily dispersed in a GNPs solution using ultrasonication. The developed transparent nanocoatings solution was applied to the back surface of machine embroidered fabrics using a spray method. Microscopic instruments were used to characterize the dispersion and size of GNPs. The TiO₂NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy. The surface morphology of both uncoated and coated MEF was analyzed. The antibacterial, UV protection, and tensile strength properties of both the treated and untreated samples were extensively studied. The coated MEF achieved more than five-fold increase in UV protection ability compared to uncoated fabrics. The transparent coating integrated inhibition to the bacterial growth on surface of MEF recording clear inhibition zone of 23.5 mm compared to pristine sample. Additionally, the nanocoating reinforced the MEF achieving enhancement in tensile strength by 20%. Furthermore, the transparency of the nanocating layer on MEF was elucidated using calorimetric measurements.