Harnessing the multi-functionality of nano-selenium for cellulosic textiles: photo-protection and skin safety

Abstract

Viscose is advantageous with allowing air to be freely circulated, to keep the skin dry and cool especially in hot weathering. Such advantage is vital for avoiding the excessive feeling of humidity and sweating that could be uncomfortable in hot weather. Herein, a unique methodology is investigated for production of viscose-based clothes with anti-microbial and UV-protection performance via successive immobilization of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). SeNPs were initially nucleated and subsequently immobilized within native and cationic viscose fabrics under the effect of hydrothermal conditions. Both water vapor and air permeability were insignificantly lowered from 15.2 cm³/cm² sec & 1748 g/m² day for cationic viscose to 13.8 cm³/cm² sec & 1719 g/m² day in the sample treated with the highest Se concentration. After 10 washing cycles, Selenium-cationized viscose (Se-C-viscose) showed good microbicide action, as; the reduction in microbial pathogens was 82%, 79% and 30% against S.Aureus, E.Coli and C.Albican, respectively. Se-C-Viscose exhibited excellent UV protection with value UPF of 106 and was still graded as very good (27.8) after 10 washing cycles (37.8). These out comes reveal that, via the currently represented approach, SeNPs can be superiorly applicable for manufacturing of highly durable/viscose textiles with excellent antimicrobial and UV-protection actions.