Enhancing mechanical and antibacterial performances of organic cotton materials with greenly synthesized colored silver nanoparticles

Purpose Functionalization of organic cotton fabrics (OCFs) by in situ deposition of chitosan reduced-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). No other toxic chemicals used to warrant an ecofriendly synthesis protocol. Human toxicity of silver systematically avoided to use as textile clothing. Primary colors (nearly-red, yellow and blue) were imparted on OCFs via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of AgNPs. Decent mechanical properties and laundering durability in terms of antibacterial/fastness test improved mechanical properties. Design/methodology/approach Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized by using silver nitrate along with commercially available chitosan. Due to the surface LSPR property of silver nanoparticles, it exhibits versatile colors depending on the synthesizing procedures. The coloration occurs due to the electrostatic interaction between the AgNPs and chitosan-treated OCF. The nanotreated fabrics provide excellent mechanical properties with improved antibacterial effects. Findings X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis quantifies the developed materials in the substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization indicates the appearance and morphologies of silver nanoparticles into the fabric surface after the coloration process. It proves that the treated cotton knit fabric exhibits the LSPR optical features of AgNPs. The antibacterial and mechanical properties confirm the improved functionality of products. Originality/value Improved mechanical properties, antibacterial performances and coloration effects on organic cotton substrates in terms of chitosan-mediated nanosilver are not yet studied.