Wool functionalization by using green synthesized silver nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, for the first time wool fabric was functionalized through green based synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employing sodium alginate as reducing agent. The diffusion of AgNPs into wool surface as well as wool polymer system seems to be dependent on both physical and chemical interactions. The resulting products were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-vis absorbance. The results specified that AgNPs were successfully assembled on the wool surface when the liquor pH and temperature of the application medium was adjusted to 4 and 45oC, respectively for 2 hours. This experiment also indicates that the wool fabric with Ag-NPs shows obvious multifunctional action because of the presence of the Ag-NPs. The treated wool fabrics exhibit optimistic colors due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Ag-NPs. The use of this technique to treat wool fabric may lead to new coloration technique and other functional improvement.