Synthesis of succinate-functionalized silver nanoparticles and their application in cellulose fabric coating

Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) are effective yet mild-toxic antibacterial agents that have been considered for widespread applications. When applied to textiles, they mostly require cross-liners/binders for durability. In this study, SNPs were hydrothermally synthesized using chitosan as a bio-based reductant followed by succinate functionalization for their impregnation on the cellulose surface through esterification. Succinic acid has been used both as a functional and stabilizing agent. Where applicable, the prepared SNPs and the treated cellulose fabrics have been characterized using conventional and analytical techniques. UV-visible spectroscopy expressed the characteristic absorption band for SNPs in the range of 420–430 nm. The succinate-SNPs exhibited the z-average of 120 ± 5 nm with the zeta potential of − 15 ± 2 mV due to carboxylate ions coverage, which gave electrostatic stability to the nano colloid. Electron microscopy exhibited that the succinate-SNPs contained irregular morphologies with an average particle size of 100 nm. In contrast, X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that they retained the face-centred cubic crystalline system with a crystallite size of 35 nm. The hence-produced succinate functionalized SNPs were successfully applied on the cellulose surface through esterification as indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The treated fabrics were analyzed for selected textile characteristics using standard testing procedures to demonstrate their usability and performance. The treated textile attributes were found in an acceptable range besides broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The impregnation of succinate functionalized SNPs on the cellulose fabric might be a novel approach without using any external crosslinker. Additionally, we employed nearly all the reagents and auxiliaries from biological sources to ensure the non-toxicity and sustainability of the treatment process. Such sustainable application of nanosilver finishing could be perused for industrial implications.