Development of bio-active pigment printed fabric loaded with nano-sized silver/zinc particles

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the antibacterial properties of pigment printed fabric loaded with nano-sized silver and zinc.

Design/methodology/approach

The pigment printing paste was mixed with nano-sized silver/zinc particles and applied to the cotton fabrics by the hand screen-printing technique. The nano-sized particles, distribution on the fabric surface, were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The ASTM E2149-01 test method was used to determine the bacteriodynamic activity of the treated fabrics. The wash and light fastness properties of the treated fabrics were investigated.

Findings

The experimental results of the study showed that antibacterial properties could be obtained by loading with nano-size silver/zinc particles on pigment printed cotton fabrics. There is no negative or positive effect of the addition of nano silver/zinc particles to the printing paste on fastness properties.

Research limitations/implications

The nano-sized metal particles and pigment printing paste should be well mixed to achieve uniform distribution on the printed surface.

Practical implications

The described process marks the introduction of a nano-technological aspect to pigment printing by its application to cotton fabrics.

Originality/value

The novelty/originality of the study lies in the new application process of nano-size silver/zinc particles to the textile pigment printing for antibacterial properties.

Citation

Tutak, M. and Bilget, Ö. (2015), "Development of bio-active pigment printed fabric loaded with nano-sized silver/zinc particles", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 44 No. 3, pp. 143-147. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-01-2014-0001