Stabilization of nano-structured ZnO particles onto the surface of cotton fibers using different surfactants and their antimicrobial activity

ZnO NPs were prepared and deposited onto cotton fibers via ultrasound irradiation successfully. Different surfactants (SDS, HY, CTAB, TX-100) have been used to stabilize, homogenize the coated ZnO NPs and control their shape and size as encapsulated species. The use of surfactants has improved the durability of ZnO NPs and decreased its leaching in particular SDS. The small mean crystallite size for ZnO particles due to the use of surfactants is the main reason for decreasing the leached of ZnO particles from cotton substrate. SEM and XRD analysis revealed information about the shape and size of the coated ZnO nanoparticles. The use of SDS and HY surfactants in the synthesis of ZnO NPs coated fabrics showed the highest antibacterial and antifungal activities against different pathogenic bacterial and fungal species with high reduction reached over 90%.