Ultrasonically Assisted In Situ Deposition of ZnO Nano Particles on Cotton Fabrics for Multifunctional Textiles

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano particles have great importance in textile industry, because of remarkable efficiency and multiple applications such as antibacterial, UV protection, self-cleaning etc. The aim of this research work was in situ growth of ZnO nano particles on 100 % cotton fabrics with the help of ultrasonic acoustic waves. Zinc nitrate hexahydrate [Zn(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O] and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used as precursors for ZnO growth. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were done to examine the surface morphology and characteristics of deposited nano particles. Furthermore the functional properties i.e. antibacterial, UPF rating, self cleaning, air permeability and bending rigidity of the developed samples were evaluated. The results regarding SEM, EDS, XRD and FTIR confirmed the deposition of ZnO nanoparticles on cotton fabric with pure hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure. The developed samples showed excellent results for antibacterial, UPF rating and self cleaning with increased bending rigidity and slightly decreased in air permeability.