Polymer-Initiated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Coloration and Functionalization of Cotton Fabrics

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized on cotton fabrics through in-situ radical reduction of Ag + with macromolecular alcohol radicals generated from a polymer blend under UV light. This light-induced approach permitted direct photopatterning of Ag particles on the surface of cotton fabric. The cotton fabrics were colored brown by the Ag NPs owing to their surface plasmon resonance characteristics, and the lighter brown or darker brown color could be adjusted by controlling the light exposure time or Ag + concentration in the synthesizing process. The Ag NPs loaded fabrics were investigated using SEM, EDX and XPS techniques. The results showed that Ag + ions were successfully reduced to metallic Ag NPs, and these particles could be clearly observed by the morphological observation study. The Ag NPs loaded cotton fabric exhibited satisfactory washing and rubbing colorfastness. In addition, the Ag NPs on the surface endowed the cotton fabric with good antibacterial activity and conductive performance.