Durable Antimicrobial and Mechanically Reinforced Cotton Textiles via Sol-Gel Immobilization of Glucose-Reduced Copper-Containing Nanoparticles
Takey Ye, Taussarova B.R., Burkitbay A., Kalmakhanova M.S.Introduction/Objective:
Antimicrobial cotton textiles are important for medical, protective, hygienic, and functional applications. This study aimed to develop a durable, costeffective two-step method for modifying cotton textiles with copper-containing nanoparticles while preserving mechanical strength and air permeability.
Methods:
Bleached cotton fabric was first treated using a TEOS-based sol-gel process to form a silica-containing coating. Copper-containing nanoparticles were then synthesized by glucosemediated reduction of CuSO₁ in an acidic aqueous medium and deposited onto the preformed coating. Nanoparticle morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Modified textiles were characterized by SEM and FTIR spectroscopy and evaluated for tensile strength, air permeability, microbiological degradation resistance, antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium brevicompactum. Washing durability was assessed after five cycles.
Results:
The optimal synthesis conditions were 0.07 mol/L CuSO₁ and 0.03 mol/L glucose, producing predominantly spherical or quasi-spherical particles with apparent sizes of 44-106 nm. The modified fabrics showed pronounced antibacterial and antifungal activity, with maximum microbial suppression at 0.07 mol/L CuSO₁. Microbiological degradation resistance reached 98%, while breaking strength increased by up to 37%. Air permeability was maintained. After five washing cycles, microbiological performance decreased by only approximately 2%. FTIR confirmed formation of a silica-containing cellulose composite.
Discussion:
The TEOS-derived silica network provided a stable matrix for copper-containing nanoparticles, contributing to their retention, mechanical reinforcement, and washing durability while preserving breathability.
Conclusion:
The developed cotton textiles combine antimicrobial and antifungal activity, enhanced strength, preserved air permeability, high microbiological resistance, and washing durability. The simple two-step approach is promising for medical, protective, hygienic, and other functional textile applications.