Surface functionalization of viscose and polyester fabrics toward antibacterial and coloration properties

► Viscose and polyester are treated with SiO2 nanoparticle in presence of binder. ► This approach imparted high level of surface functionalization to the fabrics. ► A durable antibacterial activity was achieved on viscose. ► The binder accelerates the dyeing properties of polyester with disperse dye. ► This approach decreases the steaming temperature of polyester prints from 180 °C to 110 °C.