Improvement in physical and dyeing properties of natural fibres through pre-treatment with silver nanoparticles <b style=""></b>

Abstract

Silver nano colloids have been synthesised by chemical reduction of silver salt solution, characterised by its surface plasmon resonance peak in absorption spectra at 450 nm and by SEM images of nanoparticles. The size and size distribution of these nanoparticles have also been examined using particle size analyzer; the average size of the particles is found to lie between 80 nm and 90 nm. The findings support the size and shape of the synthesised nano silver particles. These nanoparticles have been applied to cotton, silk and wool fabrics by usual padding technique and manifested the improved microbial resistance as measured through soil burial test. The dyeing behaviour of the treated fabrics with three direct dyes has also been studied and the build-up of dyes, measured as colour strength in terms of <i style="">K/S</i> values, reported. The higher <i style="">K/S</i> values are obtained when the Ag nano is anchored in the fibre matrix, i.e. when the fibre is pre-treated and dyed with direct dyes. Improved colour strength with good wash and light fastness is also obtained after treatment of fabrics with nano colloids.