Effect of integration location of silver nanoparticles for cotton fiber on their washing durability

Authors: Nam, Sunghyun; CHAVEZ, SONIA - University Of Connecticut; Hillyer, Matthew; Condon, Brian; SUN, LUYI - University Of Connecticut

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/18/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: For their antibacterial, antifungal, and partially antiviral properties, silver nanoparticles are widely employed in the production of odor-neutralizing and anti-infective textile products. However, it has been reported that these commercial products leach out a significant amount of silver nanoparticles during washing. Here we examined how integration mode of silver nanoparticles to cotton fiber—inside versus outside cotton fiber—influences the leaching of nanoparticles during consecutive washings. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles formed inside cotton fiber are more leach-resistant than those applied outside cotton fiber.

Technical Abstract: This study demonstrates the importance of the integration location of silver nanoparticles for cotton fiber—inside vs. outside of fiber (internal and external nanoparticles, respectively)—in controlling the leach of nanoparticles during laundering. The internal silver nanoparticles were produced by in situ synthesis within the cotton fiber, whereas the external silver nanoparticles were obtained by the pad-dry method of silver colloid onto cotton fabric. Their distinctive incorporation modes were confirmed by transmission electron microscope images of the cross-sections of cotton fibers. The analyses of cotton fabrics and washing solutions using various analytic techniques agreed on the superior washing durability of internal nanoparticles. The silver losses from the cotton fabrics containing internal and external nanoparticles were 16% and 63% in water and 24% and 78% in the detergent solution, respectively, after 50 laundering cycles. The cotton fabric with internal nanoparticles predominantly released ionic silver, whereas the fabric with external nanoparticles mostly released particulate silver. The leach resistance of the internal nanoparticles was attributed to their immobilization within the cotton fiber.