Effect of Nanosized Colloidal Copper on Cotton Fabric

This research deals with the synthesis of nanosized copper as colloidal solution and its application to cotton fabric. Copper nano colloids were prepared by chemical reduction of copper salt using sodium borohydride as reducing agent in presence of trisodium citrate. The size and size distribution of the particles were examined by particle size analyzer and the morphology of the synthesized particles was examined by SEM and AFM techniques. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy detected the presence of copper in the treated fabric. The results of particle size analysis showed that the average particle size varied from 60 nm to 100 nm. The nano copper treated cotton was subjected to soil burial test for the assessment of its resistance towards microbial attack. SEM images of treated fabric indicate copper nano particles are well dispersed on the surface of the specimens. The treatments of nano copper colloidal solution on cotton not only improve its antimicrobial efficiency but also influenced the tensile strength of the fabric sample positively. The treatment was found to enhance the color depth and fastness properties of direct dyed cotton fabric samples.