Synergizing effect of poly quaternary ammonium salts and metal oxides nanoparticles on wool and wool/polyester fabrics

Abstract

A new finishing technique using quaternary ammonium groups (QAG) via polymerization of methacryloyloxyethyl ammonium chloride (PMAETAC), in presence of TiO₂ /ZnO / TiO₂+ZnO nanoparticles in wool, wool/polyester fabrics has been studied, using K₂S₂O₈ as initiator for the graft copolymerization reaction. The antimicrobial activities of the finished fabrics have been assessed against <i>Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa </i>as well as Candida albicans. The findings show that, the finished fabrics with PMAETAC and their hydride combination with metal oxide NPs have outstanding activity against E. coli & S. aureus as well as excellent UV protection as compared to that finished with PMAETAC alone. The finished fabrics are also characterized by Fourier transformation infrared. The topography of the fabrics surface is examined by SEM and EDX. After five washing cycles, the acquired properties are found slightly affected, indicating an excellent wash durability.