In situ Production and Deposition of Nanosized Zinc Oxide on Cotton Fabric

In this research, the cotton fabric was modified with nanosized zinc oxide (ZnO) by a simple and novel approach. The nanosized zinc oxide was prepared and deposited onto cotton fabrics by in situ method using zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(OAc)2.H2O) as precursors and sodium hydroxide, with and without starch as a capping agent. The size and morphology of nanosized zinc oxide on cotton fabric in the presence and absence of starch were investigated. The samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and contact angle. The antibacterial activity of modified cotton was evaluated by measurement of the reduction of the gram-negative of Escherichia coli (E. coli) on the treatment of cotton. SEM images of treated fabrics were indicated that nanosized zinc oxide was well dispersed on the surfaces of samples. The results of the contact angle revealed the more hydrophobic character of treatment of cotton as compared with blank, which will have high potential applications in various fields.