Functionalization of Polyester Fabric with Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites using Aloe-Vera Gel Extract Assisted by Microwave and Ultrasonic Techniques

Michael, Monira Nseem; Osman, Eman Mohamed; El Sayed, Ibrahim El Tantawy; El Gokha, Ahmed Abdel-Aleem; Abu-Elanwar Radi, Seham Ahmed

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2022.145123.6329

Functionalization of Polyester Fabric with Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites using Aloe-Vera Gel Extract Assisted by Microwave and Ultrasonic Techniques

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Chemical Metrology Division, National Institute of Standards, Elharam, Giza-12211, Egypt

² Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El Koom-13829, Egypt

10.21608/ejchem.2022.145123.6329

Abstract

Synthesis of inorganic/ organic nanocomposite using green route is a major focus of modern nanotechnology. Herein, we demonstrated the synthesis of ZnO NPs based on two different biopolymer matrices - hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC) and chitosan (CS) - to produce two types of ZnO nanocomposites (ZnO/HEMC and ZnO/CS) utilizing Aloe-Vera plant extract as benign reducing agent of zinc acetate. The synthesis process and deposition of the synthesized ZnO nanocomposites into polyester fabric were performed in one pot to provide multifunctional polyester fabric. Moreover, microwave and ultrasonic irradiations are applied during the synthesis and finishing process as green physical techniques. ZnO nanocomposite treated samples were characterized via the following techniques: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that ZnO nanoparticles in the prepared ZnO nanocomposites are mostly spherical and monodispersed with average particles size 4.1, 19.3, 28.5 and 54.2 nm. The performance of the treated samples was assessed through antibacterial activity, antistatic, UV protection and mechanical properties. The obtained results revealed successful functionalization of the polyester fabric and also, showed remarkable improvement in its performance which allows its usage in various fields such as medical textiles.

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