Surface functionalization of viscose and polyester fabrics toward antibacterial and coloration properties

Nanoparticles have been increasingly used to improve the properties of textile fabrics. Viscose and polyester fabrics are treated with SiO2 nanoparticle by another technique than the conventional sol–gel method in presence of binder (acrylate based copolymer). The effect of the content of SiO2 nanoparticle on the physical properties of the treated fabrics such as moisture regain, tensile strength and elongation % were investigated. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity and coloration properties of pretreated fabrics were evaluated. Characterizations of pretreated samples by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were also conducted. The results show that the physical and coloration properties of pretreated samples were improved. The treated viscose fabric showed outstanding antibacterial performance against both Escherichia coli (G−) and Staphylococcus aureus (G+). Excellent durability of the treatment to repeated home laundering toward antibacterial and coloration properties was obtained in presence of binder.