Efficient antibacterial durability of ZnO NPs anchored on polyester/cotton surfaces via an embedding strategy

The article investigates the integration of ZnO nanoparticles into polyester/cotton fabrics to enhance antibacterial properties, addressing the growing demand for safe and functional textiles in various environments. The study employs a simple and efficient embedding strategy, involving dipping, rolling, and hot-pressing, to anchor ZnO nanoparticles onto the fabric surface. This method results in fabrics with excellent antibacterial efficacy, achieving 100% bacterial reduction rates against both E. coli and S. aureus. The modified fabrics demonstrate remarkable durability, maintaining high antibacterial performance even after multiple laundry cycles and abrasion tests. Additionally, the article explores the impact of the modification process on the fabrics' intrinsic properties, including water vapor permeability, water absorption, tensile strength, and flexibility. The results show that the embedding of ZnO nanoparticles not only enhances antibacterial properties but also improves the fabrics' thermal stability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in home and medical textiles.