Preparation and properties of low-cost cotton nanocomposite fabrics with in situ-generated copper nanoparticles by simple hydrothermal method

ABSTRACT

In this work, copper nanoparticles were in situ generated in cotton fabrics by simple hydrothermal method. These low-cost nanocomposite fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and antibacterial tests. The presence of spherical nanoparticles was visualized by SEM analysis. FTIR spectra did not show any differences between the peak positions of cotton fabrics and their nanocomposites. The crystallinity of cotton nanocomposites was enhanced by the copper nanoparticles. The cotton nanocomposite fabrics exhibited good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria and hence can be considered for medical applications such as wound dressing, surgical aprons, hospital bed materials, etc.

KEYWORDS:

• Antibacterial activity
• copper nanoparticles
• cotton fabrics
• in situ generation

Acknowledgments

One of the authors (Vajja Sadanand) thanks the University Grants commission of India for the award of a Junior Research Fellowship.